The Five Best SodaStream Alternatives Money Can Buy
If you’re partial to some bubbles, you’ll find plenty of at-home soda machines that deliver the goods… and surprisingly, not all of them are made by SodaStream. While most of us have fond memories of cranking up the Sodastream for a glass of pop in our childhoods, these days, there are scores of alternatives that offer the same glorious fizz, along with a bunch of other features that the original Sodastream’s lack. If you’re looking to carbonate something besides water, don’t want to mess around with those bulky CO2 canisters, or simply want something a little more chic, here are five of the best SodaStream alternatives to consider.
5. KitchenAid Sparkling Beverage Maker – $278
As freshnss.com notes, KitchenAid is one of the most well-established and respected makers of kitchen appliances around, making the KitchenAid Sparkling Beverage Maker an excellent option for discerning customers who don’t mind splurging a little extra on a high-quality piece of kit. The premium die-cast metal housing ensures excellent durability, along with easy clean-up and a sleek, slightly retro aesthetic that will add a stylish touch to any kitchen. Unlike the SodaStream and many other similar devices, you don’t have to screw the carbonating bottle into the machine – simply fill the bottle with water then use the incredibly easy-to-use snap-lock mechanism to secure it in place before pulsing the carbonation lever to reach your desired amount of fizz. Each set comes with a 60-liter CO2 tank and a free 1-liter BPA reusable bottle so you can get down to business straight away. Although it’s more expensive than many of the other options on the market, the high quality, attractive aesthetic and ease of use make it worth the splurge.
4. iSi Sodamaker Classic – $68
If you want a soda machine that looks as good as it functions, you’ll find it hard to beat the iSi Sodamaker Classic. With a design that marries modern material with a vintage aesthetic, its decorative, classic cocktail look makes it the ideal accessory to even the most stylish kitchen or bar cart. But make no mistake – this is no case of style over substance. Made from stainless steel and shatter-resistant plastic, the machine is every bit as durable as it is handsome. The 1-quart capacity, meanwhile, offers plenty of seltzer for your buck while still being compact enough not to dominate your surface space or refrigerator. As well as adding fizz to water, the machine can also be used to carbonate a host of other beverages like wine, sodas, cocktails, and more besides. According to users, the carbonation holds for days, delivering tons of awesome microbubbles for a superior taste sensation. The addition of a safety feature to prevent overfilling and control pressure will make sure your drink stays in the bottle rather than sprayed across your ceiling. To get started, simply attach a CO2 canister to the top and you’ll be fizzing up a storm in no time. It’s all backed up with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer.
3. Spärkel Beverage System – $120
The key difference between the Spärkel Beverage System and other similar devices is that it doesn’t rely on CO2 tanks to carbonate water. Instead, it comes with carbonation packets containing a mixture of food-grade citric acid and sodium bicarbonate that you simply add to a separate compartment in the vessel before fizzing. Without the need to exchange and store bulky CO2 tanks, adding some sparkle to your water has never been easier. Thanks to the fact it has five preset carbonation levels, it’s easy to tailor the fizz level to your exact preferences. On top of that, it’s super easy to use, comes in a choice of eight colors that vary from classic black and silver to funky metallic blue and millennium pink, and lets you add fresh, cut fruit to your water before carbonating it – a great (and very rare) feature among soda machines. It also lets you fizz any type of beverage you like, whether that’s wine, beer, juice, or even milk.
2. Aarke Carbonator III Premium Sparkling Water Maker – $219
At $219, no one’s going to claim the Aarke Carbonator III Premium Sparkling Water Maker is cheap. Then again, no one’s who’s used one will claim that it’s not worth the price tag. It can only carbonate water, so might not be ideal for customers looking to carbonate other drinks like beer, wine or juice, but its efficiency, ease of use, and peerless design make up for the lack of versatility. The device is made of a seamless stainless-steel enclosure that includes a head attachment and a removable drip tray, with a minimalist, slightly industrial design that stands head and shoulders over much of the competition. It’s available in six different finishes, including stainless steel, matte black, and brass, so you can customize the look to suit your kitchen. As the carbonation is lever-activated, you can add just the right amount of fizz to suit your taste. CO2 canisters aren’t included in the set and will need to be purchased separately – however, as the device works with SodaStream canisters, you shouldn’t have a problem sourcing what’s required.
1. DrinkMate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker – $81
The DrinkMate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker is an excellent alternative to SodaStream thanks to one important feature – its ability to be used with any type of beverage. Whereas SodaStream carbonates water only (with flavor added after the fizz), the DrinkMate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker lets you turn any beverage into a fizzy drink at the push of a button. Whether you want a carbonated cranberry juice, a sparkling wine, or a fizzy lemonade, this nifty device will give it to you in seconds. It can also be used on pre-carbonated fizzy drinks that have gone flat. Another convenient feature is the Fizz Infuser, a handy cap that lets you control the level of the drink to make sure it doesn’t end up spraying your entire kitchen. The elegant, compact design takes up the bare minimum of space, making it an excellent option for smaller kitchens. It’s available in three classic colors – black, white, and red – and, like the SodaStream, operates without the need for batteries or electricity. As it’s compatible with a wide range of different CO2 cartridges in both 10- and 60-liter sizes, you’ll have no problem sourcing replacement cartridges. If you want to get carbonating straight out of the gate, it’s worth splashing out a little extra for the DrinkMate set, which comes with both a bottle and a 10-liter carbonator included.
