These days, it feels like sparkling water has a lot to say for itself. Plenty of people are opting for it as a fun way to hydrate, a good alternative to a boozy drink, and the perfect blank canvas for adding your cordials and tonics to. With that in mind, it’s highly likely that you’ve been thinking about investing in a carbonator and the biggest name in the industry is the SodaStream.
Now, I don’t want to call myself a trend setter, but my family and I had one of these before they were available in big supermarkets, when there was only one to choose. I've been shouting about them as a kitchen essential for a while, but as the years go by, choosing the perfect one is becoming increasingly difficult. If you scroll through SodaStream’s site, you’ll be hit with the Terra, Enzo, Art, and Gagia, Fizi, and Enzo. It can be confusing trying to work out one that will suit your home, but fear not. I’ve tried them all.
I’ll let you know which models are perfect for the basics as well as the ones that’ll help you to make cocktails at home, whilst adding flair (as well as bubbles) to your drinks. You might have also spotted that Smeg has launched a carbonator, as well as Sage, and Ninja, so we’ll talk about those too. I’m so glad I finally get to share my geekery.
The best SodaStreams to buy, advice from the experts
The beauty of SodaStream is seemingly endless. They’re convenient, an easy way to save money on sparkling water (and fizzy drinks if you buy the concentrates), and you won’t use as much plastic as buying bottles of your special drinks either. You’ve also got the added bonus of getting to choose how sparkling your drinks are (custom carbonation to the a-fizzi-anados amongst us). If you like to let your drink go a little flat before you sip it or if you like the bubbles to hit the back of your throat, the choice is all at the tips of your fingers.
Further down, I’m going to show you a table of everything that SodaStream makes so that you can easily compare between their models. For now though, I’ve picked my three favourites. After doing my research and narrowing down the options, I realised that these are the three that different members of my family have settled on over the years, so I asked them about their daily use and interactions with them. The details are all below.
Whilst the most basic SodaStream is the Gaia (RRP £89.99), the cheapest one right now is a bit of an upgrade from the Gaia's slightly blocky, crude shape. The Art's iconic lever adds a level of flourish to fizzing and the shiny finish with stainless steel looks really impressive. You get budget and beauty all in one.
Brand new to the collection, the Mix can carbonate anything. Whether that means putting the fizz back into flat champagne or some fun into orange juice, or even some sparkle into your wine. The silhouette is identical to the brand's iconic Terra machine, so it'll fit into any kitchen.
Finished in ultra-premium stainless steel, this blends form and function. It's minimalism at its finest, with the added bonus that high-quality stainless steel is easier to clean. It's a little price jump, but I'd wager it'll outlast the plastic casing on other models, especially if you're a clumsy carbonator.
The best SodaStream for beginners and budgets: the Art
Perfect for: first-time owners of a SodaStream looking for a budget and stylish option
The Art is one of SodaStream's best-sellers, mostly down to the stylish, retro design. It's available in white, black, red, blue, and there's an all-new mint colourway that's really striking on the counter. Paired with shiny, stainless steel features, there's an argument that this is one of SodaStream's most beautiful models.
The design makes use of a lever, rather than the button that's been traditionally placed on other models. I really like the tactile feel of fizzing with the lever, especially because it gives that extra element of control over how much fizz you add to your water.
Lots of people will tell you that the Gaia is the best entry-level SodaStream. Yes, it is their most basic model, but you can actually get more for your money by opting for the Art instead.
The best SodaStream for versatility: the Mix
Perfect for: mixologists and family homes that want to carbonate more than just water
Lots of people have tried to use their SodaStreams to add some fizz to people's juices, champagnes, wines, and more. Most of the models will leave you with a sticky, broken mess. However, their new launch, the SodaStream Mix opens up a world of carbonating capabilities. You can use this to add sparkle to juices, iced tea, wine, and champagnes. It's nothing short of genius.
As you might expect, SodaStream has kept things sleek with a very similar silhouette to the SodsStream Terra. This means you've got a really classic look that integrates perfectly in simple kitchens, but it will work harder than any other drinks accessory that you own.
The best SodaStream for a luxury look: the Enzo
Perfect for: style conscious homes looking for metal synchronicity at home
The Enso is one of SodaStream’s latest models, but it feels like an entirely different proposition. Made from premium stainless steel and available in either classic silver or sleek black, it exudes a genuinely high-end feel and would slot seamlessly into kitchens with stainless steel appliances.
While the Enso shares the same silhouette as the Terra and Mix, its glossy metallic finish instantly stands out. It drew plenty of admiring glances in our test kitchen. In terms of functionality, however, it’s identical to SodaStream’s other models. This is very much the “luxury” option: you’re essentially paying for the upgraded finish rather than additional features. It looks more expensive because it is.
Comparison table
I find the easiest way to compare each different SodaStream model is in a table. Here, I've put all the important credentials together on all the best SodaStream models, so you can look for the features that you want to prioritise.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Gaia | Terra | Art | E-Terra | Enso | Mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Colours | Black | Black, white, red, blue | Black, white, red, blue, mint green | Black, white | Black, grey | Black |
Carbonation | Manual (button) | Manual (button) | Manual (lever) | Electric | Manual (button) | Manual (button) with dial for foam |
Carbonation levels | Up to 5 different options | Up to 5 different options | Up to 5 different options | Automatic (3 options) | Up to 5 different options | Up to 5 different options |
Dishwasher safe bottle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Capacity | 1 and 0.5 l bottles | 1 and 0.5 l bottles | 1 and 0.5 l bottles | 1 and 0.5 l bottles | 1 and 0.5 l bottles | 1 and 0.5 l bottles |
Bottle insertion | Twist lock | Quick Connect | Quick Connect | Quick Connect | Quick Connect | Quick Connect |
Dimensions | 43D x 13W x 43H cm | 19.8D x 19.8W x 43.7H cm | 29.7 x 18.4 x 44.7 cm | 19.6D x 12.8W x 42.7H cm | 24.1D x 16W x 44.7H cm | N/A |
Material | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic and stainless steel | Plastic | Stainless steel | Plastic and stainless steel |
Fizz options | Water - add syrups later | Water - add syrups later | Water - add syrups later | Water - add syrups later | Water - add syrups later | Any drink |
RRP | £89.99 | £89.99 | £139.99 | £144.99 | £159.99 | £139.99 |
Alternatives to SodaStream carbonators
Whilst SodaStream offers competitive pricing and an impressive range, they’re not the only fizzer on the block these days. In fact, there are some really serious competitors out there. These three are the ones that I can personally vouch for. They all offer something a little different to SodaStream, so, as with the table, they could be what you’re looking for.
One of the only carbonators that works with non-water drinks like juice and wine, the InFizz opens up a world of wonderful opportunity. If you feel your champagne has lost its sparkle, this can point back in. Or if you want fizzy orange juice (in the good way), this’ll deliver. It’s sleek, chic, and very clever.
One of the only carbonators that works with non-water drinks like juice and wine, the InFizz opens up a world of wonderful opportunity. If you feel your champagne has lost its sparkle, this can point back in. Or if you want fizzy orange juice (in the good way), this’ll deliver. It’s sleek, chic, and very clever.
Of course, Smeg makes a carbonator. If it’s in a kitchen and in need of a makeover, the brand is almost guaranteed to splash some style onto a design. This sits really well and comes in a stunning range of colours. It’s also one of the first models to use a twist rather than a push for carbonation, which only adds to the luxury look and feel of each drink you make.
FAQs
Is SodaStream worth it?
There are plenty of reasons to buy a SodaStream: to save money on bottles of drinks, reduce plastic consumption, or experimenting with different flavoured concoctions. The quick answer is, if you drink fizzy water every day, the SodaStream is an easy way to save money and waste. If you can shop one in a sale period, it's even better. If you're not bothered about sparkling drinks, it could be a waste of money.
As someone who has owned a SodaStream for over a decade, I can say that mine is more than worth it. I bought the entry level Gaia for £70 thinking that it wasn't the most expensive mistake to make (especially since they have a decent resale value.)
The reality was that mine became the hub of the family kitchen. When I went to university, my family bought one for themselves (and upgraded to the Terra) and my brother bought the Art after visiting my parents and falling in love with it too. We've made sparkling water, ginger beers, and various cocktails with each.
When is the best time to buy a Sodastream?
Naturally, the best time to pick one of these up is in the sales. We've got Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday right around the corner, so if you are willing to wait, there's bound to be a discount on the way. If you can't wait, SodaStream has some great bundle deals on right now anyway.
Is it annoying to get the refills for SodaStreams?
I thought that the CO2 refills would be what ruined SodaStreams for me, but they're everywhere. If you can't see them in your supermarket (normally on the homes aisle, near cleaning bits), you can buy them on Amazon to be delivered the next day, or from SodaStream. It couldn't be more simple.
Can I use a SodaStream from anywhere?
All of these SodaStreams are cordless, so you can use them anywhere. The general advice is that you keep them on a flat, solid surface, but that's your only limitation. My brother has his in an outdoor bar, mine is on the kitchen counter, and my parents have theirs on a shelf.
Are SodaStreams useful or just clutter?
This entirely depends on how much sparkling water and soda you drink. If you love a glass of something sparkling every day or you need some motivation to hydrate, a SodaStream could be a game changer. However, if you already need to persuade yourself to drink sparkling water, a SodaStream could just add clutter to your counter. Don't buy it on a change.
Should you buy a SodaStream?
As someone who has used a SodaStream for a decade, I am a convert. I love my SodaStream and I use it every day, but I've always drunk a lot of sparkling water, so it makes sense for me.
The good news is that SodaStream has a diverse offering that lets you dip a toe into the world of carbonating without committing hundreds of pounds and lots of space to a gadget. If you buy one and don't use it (which I think is unlikely), you'll still be able to sell it on. The real question is, which SodaStream will you buy?
