8 Best SodaStreams and water carbonators you can buy in 2022
ONE of the must-have kitchen gadgets for 2022, you can make fun fizzy drinks or cocktails at the push of a button with a SodaStream or water carbonator.
As well as making delicious drinks, a SodaStream is a sustainable option for anyone looking to reduce waste.
SodaStream is a go-to for its value-for-money Spirit machine: it looks smart, makes tasty sparkling water and includes a CO2 cylinder and bottle - all for under £100.
The more expensive Crystal is another favourite for those looking to ditch plastic completely - it uses a glass bottle.
While the SodaStream brand is synonymous with the original delicious sparkling water machine, which could help you save 1300 bottles and cans a year, it's no longer the only name in the game for anyone looking for homemade fizzy drinks or sparkling water.
Swedish brand Aarke is behind a range of stunning stainless steel soda maker machines, which make a statement in the kitchen in a selection of metal and chrome finishes and give you sparkling water at the push of a lever.
You'll also find portable soda syphon machines, which allow you to expertly make cocktails with minimal effort.
In addition to reducing waste, if you're a bottled water or soda fiend, a SodaStream machine can help you save money in the long run.
Not sure which to go for? We've rounded up eight of the best water carbonators and SodaStreams for 2022.
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1. We tested: SodaStream Spirit Sparkling Water Maker
For tasty sparkling water and an easy-to-use machine that looks good on display - and doesn't cost a fortune - our vote goes to the classic SodaStream Spirit.
Just snap the bottle into the locking mechanism (you'll get a 1-litre bottle with your purchase), and press down for sparkling water (three pumps give you light carbonation; five is more intense).
This set also includes a 60l CO2 cylinder, and you can easily make a range of non-alcoholic sodas and alcoholic recipes, from cooling sparkling lemonades to Bellinis, in minutes.
When we first tried this out, we pressed the button down for two seconds twice upon first use, but that wasn't enough for properly fizzy water, so we pushed the button down about six times which managed to give us a refreshing level of bubbles.
Compared to your average carbonator, the SodaStream Spirit Machine is really quiet and you can't even hear the CO2 being released when you detach your bottle from the machine.
Our favourite part of testing out SodaStream was definitely the delicious syrups and flavourings that the brand offer online – lemonade and lime genuinely tasted like lemonade and lime you'd get at the pub.
Read our full review of the SodaStream here.
2. We tested: Aarke Carbonator III Water Carbonator
Swedish brand Aarke produces a water carbonator in a stainless steel enclosure - and it comes in an array of metallic and chrome finishes for a striking impact in any kitchen.
As one of the more expensive carbonators around, we decided to try it out to see if it's worth forking out a little more for.
From the smart, ribboned packaging which read "Welcome to your sparkling new lifestyle" to the stainless steel appearance, we were already obsessed when the Aarke Carbonator arrived before we'd even started carbonating.
It comes with a matching sleek bottle, but unfortunately, as it doesn't come with CO2 cylinders you have to make sure you order one to come with it – we didn't and had to wait another few days to actually use it.
Once the CO2 cylinder arrived - it's compatible with most 60mm cylinders from well-known brands - we followed the instructions in the User Guide to get going.
Our favourite feature of Aarke's carbonator was definitely the posh lever that allows you to control the pressure of the CO2 for a super smooth experience, and there are no splashes when you remove it.
Sparkling water tasted great, as did Aarke's sugar-free essence drops of Elderflower and Lime, Wild Strawberry and Citrus which you add after carbonating, but they're not very sweet, for those of you who like sugary drinks.
In general, this one's definitely for those of you who waste a lot of plastic buying sparkling water as it's much more sustainable, plus it looks amazing in your kitchen as a flashy tool to treat yourself, and your guests.
Read our review of the Aarke here.
3. We tested: DrinkMate
For less than £100, Drinkmate's carbonator comes with a CO2 cylinder so you don't have to worry about buying one, although most canisters available are compatible with the design.
But that's not the best bit. Drinkmate prides itself on being able to add fizz to any drink you want, whether that's orange squash, wine or cider. Literally, anything you can get your hands on that doesn't have pulp.
We took it for a test run to see if it lived up to its solid reputation: firstly, it was really simple to put together with straightforward instructions, which was a relief as we hadn't used a carbonator before.
After filling it with water to the max line, pressing the magic carbonator button and tasting our fizzy creation, we immediately went into mad scientist-mode and grabbed as many drinks as possible to try out.
White wine tasted great, so did smooth orange juice (pulp can cause damage) and we loved transforming our rosé into pink fizz.
The reason you can try anything is because there's an amazing valve that lets you release the bubbles slowly to ensure you don't create an explosion. Whenever the foam starts to rise, you close it, then repeat until all the CO2 has been released and your beverage is ready.
In terms of the actual design, we weren't blown away by the appearance as it is quite basic, but as it's lightweight and portable, it would make a great camping companion.
Read our review of the Drinkmate here.
4. Best SodaStream with glass carafe: SodaStream Crystal Sparkling Water Maker
The SodaStream Crystal is a stylish design that lifts up, secures the carafe in place and gives you lovely sparkling water at the press of a button in seconds.
Instead of a plastic design, it includes a stylish glass 600ml water bottle, as well as a 60l CO2 cylinder.
Fans love the taste - drinking out of glass is nicer than plastic - as well as their reduction in plastic use since purchasing it.
'Excellent. We were buying sparkling bottled water every week for at about £7 per week, so this product does actually pay for itself! Easy to use and great all round', writes one.
5. Best soda syphon: Beaumont Soda Syphon
A gorgeous addition to any kitchen or wet bar, this glass soda syphon with stainless mesh outer layer is a design piece that will also facilitate brilliant cocktails and drinks.
This classic vintage style syphon holds a litre of water.
Note: The ISI cartridges required for this product are sold separately.