Take The Foundation Home With The Best Soda Machines
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AARKE CARBONATOR Soda Machine -
Impeccable Culinary Objects ICO011-A Soda Machine -
Spärkel Beverage System Soda Machine -
Sodastream Fizzi Sparkling Soda Machine -
Buyer's Guide
There is something special about drinking a cool glass of carbonated water or soda on a hot day. Nothing really compares to that unique sensation of bubbles hitting your mouth. However, over time, prices add up, and this vice can get particularly expensive if you enjoy these drinks daily. If carbonated drinks are a necessity for you, you might want to look into purchasing a personal soda machine for your home.
Soda machines are not new inventions by any means—many restaurants use devices similar to modern home soda machines. But if you want to have soda on hand and ready to drink whenever you want, then you might consider purchasing one. There is a wide variety of soda machines out there, each with its own advantages. We will be exploring four of the best soda machines in 2022 available right now to help you make the purchase that's right for you.
Best Soda Machines Worth Considering in 2022
AARKE CARBONATOR Soda Machine - Best Overall
If you want to make soda at home, you might as well use the best machine on the block. And while this particular soda machine will cost you a pretty penny, it’ll be a penny well-spent, thanks to its myriad of features, luxurious design, and ease of use. The CARBONATOR II is designed for home use and has (almost) everything you need to start making soda at home. The set comes with the device itself, a sleek PET bottle, and a user manual. The device looks premium, and that’s because it is. But looks aren’t the only thing that it has going for it. The device is designed to be intuitive, with minimal buttons to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed as soon as you unpack it. There is a small catch—it doesn’t come with a gas cylinder—you’ll have to buy one separately. But once you get your hands on some CO2, prepare for some freshly-made soda ready on-hand at all times.
- Easy to use
- Sleek design
- Does not come with gas cylinder
Impeccable Culinary Objects ICO011-A Soda Machine - Runner Up
If you’ve ever been to a fancy bar or restaurant, you’ve probably seen a weird bottle that looks like this. This is, in fact, a soda siphon, and it’s what many bartenders and professionals use to make carbonated drinks for cocktails and other delicious drinks. Luckily for you, you don’t need to be flipping bottles at home or spending lots of money on cocktails, as this device will allow you to make cocktails all by yourself. The soda siphon has that sleek design found in most siphons and is perfect for both commercial and home use. The siphon is incredibly easy to use and even comes with an instruction manual so you don’t even need to look up a guide online to learn how to use it. Like other soda siphons, this one doesn’t come with a CO2 charger, so you’ll have to buy one yourself, but other than that, it’s a great way to make soda while also feeling like a bartender yourself.
- Great for cocktails
- Comes with an instruction manual
- Doesn’t come with a CO2 charger
Spärkel Beverage System Soda Machine - Honorable Mention
One of the main issues with soda machines is that they rely on CO2 to make soda. While this does mean you have to go to the store every now and then to get some more cylinders or chargers since you can’t make soda without CO2. Or can you? Introducing the Spärkel Beverage System—a revolutionary new device that lets you turn any drink into a sparkling beverage—without the CO2 cylinder requirement. You read that right—no more having to spend money on cylinders and chargers when this device will give you sparkling drinks for its lifetime. Now, this doesn’t mean the device will make CO2 out of thin air, it actually has built-in carbonators to siphon the CO2, and will need to be replaced every now and then. However, buying the system also comes with a reusable bottle and carbonators that are enough for 10 full bottles, so you’ll be able to make sparkling drinks right out of the box!
- Does not require CO2 tanks or cylinders
- Can be used right out of the box
- Only works with their own carbonators
Sodastream Fizzi Sparkling Soda Machine - Contender
When it comes to soda machines, few are as well-known as SodaStream. The company is known for its sleek soda machines that mix with delicious flavors and handy cylinders. If one of your friends says they make their own soda at home, chances are that they’re using one of SodaStream’s machines. This particular sparkling water maker comes with everything you need to get started, and you won’t be overwhelmed by the controls, as you can operate this device with the push of a button. SodaStream’s variety of flavors makes every bottle you create different each time. The device is energy-efficient and is powered by the CO2 cylinder itself. It also comes with a BPA-free bottle, making it more eniornmentally friendly. If you still aren’t sure which brand to go with when it comes to soda machines, you can’t ever go wrong with SodaStream.
- One-button design
- Allows the creation of many flavors
- Only compatible with SodaStream flavors and cylinders
Buyer's Guide
If you want to make soda at home and not have to spend extra money on it every time you get the craving, then you’ll need a soda machine. But what type of soda machine should you get, and what factors should you consider? Read on to find out more about these devices.
What is a Soda Machine?
A soda machine is a device that, as the name suggests, creates soda or other carbonated drinks. Most soda machines are used to create sparkling water or drinks, though some also use these devices to make their own alcoholic cocktails, as is the case with soda siphons.
Why is it Important to Have a Soda Machine?
It saves you money on sparkling water.
Sparkling water may have become more affordable in recent years, but it’s still more expensive than regular water and probably will remain as such for the foreseeable future. So if you prefer drinking sparkling water over regular water, then you may want to invest in buying a soda machine and cartridges rather than buying bottles upon bottles of sparkling water every time you run out to the store.
Sparkling water isn’t something that’s bought and sold by the gallon (at least in retail). You’ll likely buy by the bottle or can, which will cost more over time. If you used a soda siphon or soda machine instead, you’d end up with far fewer expenses, as you’d only be spending money on cartridges rather than the water itself, as well as the bottles and cans used to contain them. And that leads us to our next point—environmental friendliness.
It’s more environmentally friendly.
One issue many people have with sparkling water is that it’s typically only accessible through buying plastic bottles or metal cans, which is an environmental nightmare. If you prefer not to support the creation and production of wasteful one-use products, then a soda machine may prove to be a more sustainable solution. By using cylinders to create soda and sparkling water, you limit your purchase of bottled soda, which is better for the environment in the long run.
It’s more convenient than re-buying.
Finally, let’s talk about convenience. While some of us live close to corner stores, for most of us, it is a hassle getting to the store, and we have to carve out time in our daily routines to make the trip.
That's where soda machines come in. By providing a means to make soda any time you want, you don’t have to worry about remembering to purchase more at your next trip to the store.
Things to Consider When Buying a Soda Machine
CO2 Cylinders/Cartridges
Soda isn’t really soda without CO2. It’s what gives the beverage that sparkling texture and feel to it. Despite all the different types of soda machines out there, virtually all of them require some form of cylinder or cartridge to work. And those that don’t use cylinders obtain CO2 through other means, such as carbonators.
The type of carbon supply, however, isn’t as important as the compatibility it has with other cartridges. Not all cartridges and cylinders are universal. While some soda machines support various cartridges and cylinders, others only allow cartridges, cylinders, and carbonators produced by their own company. This is common among manufacturing companies and can lead to restocking problems should the company not have any of their cartridges or cylinders readily available to you.
So, when buying a soda machine, consider whether or not you prefer one that supports third party cartridges. If you think that you won’t be able to easily buy proprietary cartridges, then you’ll have to settle with a unit that supports more universal designs.
Ease of use
Soda machines are designed differently from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some create soda siphons, which help make cocktails and sparkling drinks similar to how bartenders and professionals make them. Other soda machines use the convenience of modern technology to allow anyone to make soda without any hassle or expertise required, only needing to press a single button for the magic to happen.
If you think you have what it takes to learn and master the art of making soda through siphons, then you should, by all means, get a siphon. But if you prefer something a little less hands-on and more convenient for day-to-day use, a soda machine will serve you far better.
Soda Machine Price Range
Soda machines can vary in price depending on the type of machine you’re referring to. If it’s a soda siphon, for example, you can get your hands on a decent one for around $25 or so. For soda machines, however, you can spend much more, with some units selling for more than $200. Of course, these come with more features and ease-of-use and are made with better materials, but that’s still far more than $25, so choose wisely.
Soda Machine FAQ
Q: Are soda machines safe?
A: Soda machines are able to create sparkling water that’s safe and enjoyable to drink.
Q: Is sparkling water healthy?
A: While it is not any healthier than regular water, sparkling water by itself does not cause any harm to your body.
Q: Does sparkling water lead to weight gain?
A: You do not gain weight as a result of sparkling water. The misconception is caused by the other ingredients mixed with carbonated drinks that cause weight gain, such as sugar.