Drinkmate carbonator review: I tested the Sodastream alternative to make sparkling water

FIZZY drink fans tend to go through a lot of plastic and sugar. However, carbonators like Sodastream may be the answer as they provide a more environmentally friendly and healthier alternative—save the planet and yourself.

You might recognise the machines that turn beverages from still to fizzy from TikTok.

They're fast on their way to becoming an extremely popular kitchen tool, as DrinkMate's version allows you to make any beverage you can think of (without pulp) fizzy, from wine to iced tea.

So, I decided to give it a go.

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Drinkmate Carbonator, £109.99

Pros

• Makes any drink fizzy (even alcohol)
• Simple step-by-step instructions
• Useful valve to stop any foaming explosions
• Easily portable
• Takes up small amount of space
• Option to come with a CO2 cylinder

Cons

• Not as fancy-looking as other carbonators

Rating: 4/5

Drinkmate Carbonator review: quick summary

I had never tried a carbonator before using Drinkmate, so I was relieved to find how straightforward it was to attach the CO2 canister. Setting up the whole gadget took a matter of minutes.

On first impression, it's quite a basic design that's light to carry around, so you can transport it anywhere if you need to.

Although this is practical if you're going camping or taking it to a friend's house, I was a little underwhelmed at how simple it looked on display in the kitchen.

In terms of the actual function of Drinkmate, it can't be faulted, especially thanks to its amazing slow-release valve that stops any uncontrollable foaming accidents.

I felt my inner mad scientist come out as soon as I sipped my first creation of fizzy orange squash - which was tasty but not sweet enough - desperate to try as many others as my fridge contents allowed.

Sparkling water met my expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised at the bubbly versions of smooth orange juice, white wine and rosé. The Drinkmate valve really makes any liquid possible because you can monitor how much gas you release at the end, controlling the foam and bidding farewell to past carbonator mishaps that you might have experienced from using liquids other than water.

If you're looking for a carbonator to make any type of drink fizzy, this is definitely worth it.

It also comes with a CO2 gas canister, so unlike other designs on the market, you can use it as soon as it arrives.

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How do you use Drinkmate?

As directed in the booklet that arrives with your Drinkmate, you need to attach your CO2 carbonator by removing the back cover, twisting off the cap of the canister, and installing it in the back, tightening it by hand.

You then pull the bottle assembly forward 45 degrees and remove the bottle to fill it up (to the max line) with whatever beverage you wish to fizz-ify. Drinkmate states not to use drinks with pulp in them, as this can cause damage.

Once you've reattached the bottle, you press the top button for around 25 seconds and watch science happen! Then - the most important bit - you take the bottle out and slowly release the gas using the trusty valve.

When the CO2 has fully escaped, you're good to drink – don't make my mistake and take the lid off without releasing gas from the valve because the big bang and mess it'll make isn't worth the hassle.

Is Drinkmate better than Sodastream?

In 2009, 17-year-old Sodastream relaunched, spurring carbonator nostalgia for many people who used it in the 1970s and 80s. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that it trumps all carbonators.

Drinkmate has won a lot of people over because it works so well with a variety of beverages, whereas Sodastream only works with water and various syrups – all hail that trusty valve we keep talking about.

Both Drinkmate and Sodastream are around the same price, so it really depends on what you want to use your carbonator for. They're both cordless and compatible with the same CO2 canisters.

I can't give you a direct answer as to whether Drinkmate is actually better than Sodastream because I haven't yet tried out the latter.

What canisters are compatible with Drinkmate?

Most CO2 cylinders available online are compatible with Drinkmate machines, more specifically , Aarke, Sodastream and other brands that offer 60L/425g/14.oz size cylinders.

Drinkmate recommends keeping extra cylinders on hand so that you're never disappointed when you run out of one and have to wait for another to arrive in the mail.

The brand also takes back your empty canisters at their own expense in the UK, allowing them to clean, refill and reuse them.

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Drinkmate Carbonator, £109.99

Where can I buy Drinkmate carbonator in the UK?

The easiest places to find the Drinkmate carbonation is at and Drinkmate's official site.

The Drinkmate machine without CO2 capsules costs £89.99, whereas, with cylinders (recommended), it costs £109.99.

They are also available in red, white, or matte black—choose according to your kitchen's colour scheme.

Here's where I managed to find them:

Is there an alternative to Drinkmate carbonator?

Despite the increasing popularity of the Drinkmate carbonator, there are actually plenty of choices out there, so if you're on a tighter budget, you need not worry, as you'll still be able to get your hands on some form of fizzifier.

However, it's worth remembering that not all carbonators are able to make everything that doesn't have pulp fizzy, so you'll have to ensure you're getting the right one for the types of drinks you plan to fizz up.

Here is a quick list of other providers you may want to choose from: