Kitchen & Coffee
Soda makers
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Soda makers suit households that already buy a lot of bubbly water: families going through cans every week, couples who want less recycling, or new homeowners setting up a kitchen. The ones that keep getting used sit on the counter, work in a few seconds, and don't need much refilling. A basic sparkling water maker suits someone who just wants plain fizz. A soda machine with syrups or automatic settings suits people who like flavoured drinks. Before choosing, think about counter space, whether they drink it daily, and how easy it will be to get gas cylinders where they live. A soda maker they will use every day beats a fancier one that ends up in a cupboard.
Kind 1 of 8
A sparkling water maker for everyday fizz
A sparkling water maker turns cold tap water into carbonated water with a gas cylinder and a reusable bottle. It suits anyone who buys sparkling water by the case and drinks it plain or with a squeeze of citrus. Kits that come with a cylinder and at least one bottle are the easiest gift, since they work out of the box. Before buying, check which cylinder type it takes and whether refills or exchanges are easy to get locally, because that decides how long it keeps getting used.
Complete sparkling water kit
A comprehensive package perfect for new users, including everything needed to begin making homemade sparkling water immediately.
Kind 2 of 8
Soda water for mixers and drinks
A soda water maker is the same basic tool, but people who search this way often want fizzy water for mixed drinks, spritzers or homemade sodas. It suits hosts and anyone who likes a highball or a lime soda at the end of the day. Look for adjustable carbonation so they can make it lightly sparkling or very fizzy. Check the bottle size too: a larger bottle suits a household that pours several glasses at a time, while a small one keeps the fizz fresher for one person.
Kind 3 of 8
Soda machines that do more of the work
Soda machines range from simple push-button models to automated units that carbonate at the press of a button with preset fizz levels. They suit families where several people make drinks and consistent results matter, or anyone who finds manual pumping a chore. Automated models usually need a power outlet, so check where it will sit on the counter. Also confirm whether flavour syrups are optional or required, and whether the bottles are dishwasher-friendly, since cleaning is where many machines lose their appeal.
Automated sparkling drink machine
This electric model simplifies the carbonation process with automated controls, ensuring consistent fizziness with minimal effort.
Kind 4 of 8
A machine that looks good on the counter
A sparkling water machine stays in plain view, so looks matter more than with most kitchen gadgets. Slim, modern designs in matte finishes or neutral colours suit people with a styled kitchen who don't want a bulky appliance. Measure the space under upper cabinets, since the cylinder and bottle need room to fit in and come out. Pick a finish that goes with their other appliances, and check that the controls are simple enough for everyone in the house.
Modern aesthetic carbonator
A stylish addition to any contemporary kitchen, this appliance combines functionality with a minimalist design.
Kind 5 of 8
Small carbonators for tight spaces and travel
Carbonators include compact handheld or bottle-top designs that use small gas cartridges instead of a large cylinder. They suit apartment dwellers, cottage-goers, RV travellers and anyone short on counter space. The trade-off is that small cartridges run out quickly, so they work best for someone who makes a glass or two at a time. Before buying, check which cartridges it uses, how easy they are to find, and whether the bottle seals well enough to hold carbonation for a day.
Compact travel carbonator
Ideal for adventurers or those with limited counter space, this compact system provides sparkling water on the go or in smaller kitchens.
Kind 6 of 8
A carbonation machine for bigger households
For a household that goes through several litres a day, a carbonation machine sold with multiple bottles saves constant refilling and washing. Extra bottles let people keep one chilled in the fridge while another is in use, or give each family member their own. Check that spare bottles are easy to add later and that the set's bottles fit the fridge door. Bottles often have an expiry date printed on them, so a set that includes replacements lasts longer.
Multi-bottle carbonator set
Ideal for busy households or those who enjoy a variety of sparkling beverages, this set includes extra bottles for continuous use.
Kind 7 of 8
A home soda maker with glass bottles
Some home soda makers use glass carafes instead of plastic bottles, which suits people who prefer glass at the table and want to pour straight from the carafe. It makes a thoughtful gift for couples who entertain or anyone trying to cut down on plastic. Glass carafes are heavier and usually need their own matching machine, so check compatibility before choosing. Confirm whether the glass can go in the dishwasher and whether replacement carafes are sold separately.
Elegant glass bottle carbonator
For those who appreciate aesthetics and prefer glass over plastic, this system offers a stylish way to create sparkling beverages.
Kind 8 of 8
A straightforward water carbonator
A water carbonator machine is a no-frills appliance for people who want fizzy water without syrups, apps or extras. It suits parents, grandparents and anyone who likes a tool that just works. Look for a simple mechanism, a clear way to swap the cylinder, and bottles that are easy to find. If the person isn't comfortable handling cylinders, pick a model with a snap-in connection rather than one that screws in.
Home carbonation appliance
This appliance allows users to transform plain tap water into sparkling water, offering a refreshing and customizable beverage experience.
How to choose soda makers as a gift
- Check which gas cylinder or cartridge the machine uses and whether exchanges are easy to get near where they live.
- Measure the counter space and the height under upper cabinets before choosing a taller model.
- Choose a model with adjustable fizz if several people with different tastes will use it.
- Include at least one spare bottle so there is always a cold one ready in the fridge.
- Match the type to their habits: plain water drinkers need basics, flavour fans may enjoy a machine with syrups.
Usually safe to skip
- Syrup-heavy bundles for someone who only drinks plain sparkling water, since the extras usually go unused.
- Tiny cartridge carbonators for a big household, because they run out fast and become a hassle to keep stocked.
- Machines built around hard-to-find cylinders, since the gift stops working once the first one runs empty.
Questions people ask about soda makers
- Is a sparkling water maker a good gift for a family?
- It can be, especially for a family that already buys sparkling water or pop regularly. Choose a model with adjustable fizz and a few extra bottles so everyone can make drinks without waiting or constantly washing bottles.
- What is the difference between a soda maker and a carbonator?
- The terms overlap. Soda maker usually means a countertop machine with a large gas cylinder, while carbonator often refers to smaller handheld or bottle-top designs that use small cartridges. Countertop machines suit daily use; compact carbonators suit travel or small spaces.
- Can you carbonate juice or other drinks in a soda maker?
- Many machines are designed for water only, with flavour added after carbonating. Some models are made to carbonate other drinks directly. Check the instructions for the specific machine before gifting it to someone who wants to fizz juice or cocktails.
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Everything else
All soda makers picks
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