We don’t have to tell you that staying hydrated is important—so anything you can do to make it less of a chore is a worthy investment. If sipping on seltzer helps you hit your H2O goals, keep scrolling to shop the best sparkling water makers we’ve found (after plenty of research and chatting with SELF staffers who are also fans of fizzy drinks).
These machines can infuse plain tap water with carbon dioxide (CO2) to create carbonated beverages you’ll drink every last drop of. Some even come with flavor cartridges, so you can really spice things up—although it’s worth noting that even a simple squeeze of some lemon or lime can do wonders for your taste buds.
Our top picks
Best Overall: SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker Runner-up: Drinkmate OmniFizz Editor Favorite: AerFlo Aer₁ System Bundle Best Budget: Philips Sparkling Water Maker Best Design: aarke Carbonator III
What to consider while shopping for a sparkling water maker
We have a few tips to find a machine that delivers refreshing bubbles that’ll keep you sipping.
Many machines allow you to choose how much carbonation you add to the water. If fizzy drinks tend to make you uncomfortably bloated and gassy, consider grabbing an option that can make semi-flat beverages instead.
Every machine on our list is easy to set up and use, according to reviewers. The options we’ve found have CO2 cylinders that are simple to change, with straightforward buttons and settings. However, some devices (like the Ninja Thirsti) have many features and are a little more complicated. If you want a machine that requires pretty much zero thinking on your part, go with one that only makes you push a single button to start the carbonation process, like our overall pick, the SodaStream Terra.
Most of the machines on our list don’t require much maintenance. But for the few that do, like the Spärkel Beverage System, make sure you read the manufacturer’s care instructions to properly clean the inside. It’s also a good idea to wipe down the outside of your machine regularly to keep it dust-free.
Something else to consider: How you’ll keep extra CO2 cylinders on hand. Some brands will send you a return label so you can mail your old CO2 tanks back before buying new ones, while others offer subscription services that ensure you’re never without fresh cartridges.
Sparkling water makers tend to be pretty slim, compared to other kitchen appliances. But if you’re really tight on counter space, make sure you get one with a small footprint. (And if you plan to put it under or inside a cabinet, check the height before you buy.)
Best Overall: SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker
Sodastream
Terra Sparkling Water Maker
Pros
CO2 cylinders are easy to change Lets you choose the amount of fizz Bottle is dishwasher-safe
Cons
CO2 cylinders are pricey
It’s impossible to shop for sparkling water makers and not come across the SodaStream (for good reason). My parents had one when I was growing up and, even as a kid, it was really easy to use. One reason for that: It’s pretty low-tech—it doesn’t even plug into an outlet.
All you do is add water to the dishwasher-safe bottle up to the fill line, pop it under the spigot, and press the top button three times to make the water bubbly (or five times for a more intense fizz). One CO2 cylinder should last you up to 60 bottles, and Amazon reviewers say it’s easy to change out once it’s empty.
Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 17 inches | Bottle capacity: 1 liter | Bottle material: Glass
Runner-up: Drinkmate OmniFizz
Pros
Can carbonate liquids other than water Choose your level of carbonation Small footprint
Cons
Bottles are hand-wash only Some Amazon reviewers say it feels cheap
Drinkmate is like Sodastream’s little sister—it looks similar and comes at a competitive price point. But it might be your choice if you want to add carbonation to beverages other than water. It’s one of the few machines out there that’ll turn your juice, wine, or iced tea into a bubbly treat at the drop of a dime (and can even revive flat sodas, in a pinch).
Amazon reviewers love that you can control how much carbonation the OmniFizz adds—and some have noticed that it makes more bubbles with fewer presses of a button than other machines. “Would it be weird if I kept this in my room? On my nightstand? Too much?” one shopper wrote. Our take: not weird at all.
Dimensions: 7.87 x 5.12 x 16.14 inches | Bottle capacity: 1 liter | Bottle material: Plastic
Editor Favorite: AerFlo Aer₁ System Bundle
Pros
Travel-friendly Lets you choose the amount of carbonation Comes with return label for empty cartridges
Cons
Bottle is hand-wash only Smaller bottle size compared to others
This water bottle has a carbon dioxide cartridge attached to the lid, so you can make seltzer literally anywhere. “It’s much less cumbersome than a full-sized sparkling water machine,” SELF’s commerce director says. “It also has a really cool, easy system for getting refill cartridges. Your Aerflo is sent with a return label, so you can ship back your empties and the brand will send you replacements.”
Your first refill is included with this bundle—future packs come with 12 cartridges each, which is enough to make 48 bottles of bubbly.
Dimensions: 10 x 3 inches | Bottle capacity: 0.6 liters | Bottle material: Stainless steel and plastic
Best Budget: Philips Sparkling Water Maker
Philips
Sparkling Water Maker
Pros
Looks sleek on countertop Lightweight
Cons
Some Amazon reviewers report CO2 leaking from spout
You wouldn’t know from looking at this sleek machine that it’s actually the least expensive option on this list. It’s lightweight and, like some other machines, you don’t need to plug it in—one Amazon reviewer says they even bring it on camping trips.
One thing to note: Some reviewers are skeptical of this machine’s durability because it’s made of plastic, and others have noticed CO2 leaking from the spigot after some time. Even so, we think it’s a great starter option if you’re just getting into drinking fizzy water.
Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 17.5 inches | Bottle capacity: 1 liter | Bottle material: Plastic
Best Design: aarke Carbonator III
Pros
Sleek, sturdy design Includes a drip tray Available in multiple colors and finishes
Cons
Smaller bottle size compared to others
Aarke’s Carbonator III is the Rolls Royce of bubbly water systems. For one thing, you’ll actually like how it looks on your counter, thanks to its minimalist design and range of neutral colors and finishes. “It’s basically a functional work of art,” one Amazon shopper says. Vanity aside, the brand also makes a bunch of flavor drops to help make your water tasty, and reviewers say it’s easy to use and feels sturdy.
Dimensions: 17.72 x 11.42 x 7.48 inches | Bottle capacity: 0.8 liters | Bottle material: Plastic
Ninja Thirsti Drink System
Ninja
Thirsti Drink System
Pros
Lots of customizable settings A bunch of flavors are sold separately Easy to use
Cons
Bulkier design Doesn’t come with a bottle
Having a Ninja Thirsti is sort of like having your own personal bartender—but for non-alcoholic bevs. You can mix and match two Ninja drink flavors (the machine comes with a starter pack, but there are more than 25 total), control the level of fizz, and choose which size you want (from 6 to 24 ounces).
It works similarly to a Keurig: You load the pod(s) into the machine, choose your settings, and your drink streams out in seconds. If you get bored of sipping the same thing day after day, this is the machine for you—no contest.
Dimensions: 13.97 x 8.76 x 16 inches | Bottle capacity: N/A | Bottle material: N/A
Breville InFizz Aqua Sparkling Water Carbonator
Breville
InFizz Aqua Sparkling Water Carbonator
Pros
Can carbonates any liquid Sleek design Includes a drip tray
Cons
Pricey Bottle is hand-wash only
If you like the sleek look of Aarke’s Carbonator III but want a machine that can add fizz to any drink—cocktails included—go with Breville’s InFizz. William Sonoma reviewers say the setup process is straightforward, and the machine provides consistent carbonation. Also nice: The kit comes with a bottle brush to make cleaning easier, since you can’t put it in the dishwasher.
Dimensions: 6 x 10.25 x 17 inches | Bottle capacity: 1 liter | Bottle material: Plastic
Spärkel Beverage System
Pros
Uses small CO2 packets instead of large cylinders Bright, modern design Five fizz levels to choose from
Cons
Needs to be plugged in Only comes with 10 carbonator packets
This is the only sparkling water maker on our list that doesn’t need a CO2 cylinder. Instead, it uses proprietary carbonator sachets (a.k.a. packets that “generate CO2 gas naturally when mixed with water”).
First, you pour a carbonator packet into the Spärkel, then choose from five different fizz levels. From there, the CO2 created by the carbonator sachet mixing with water is cycled through the machine into your drink to give it that zippy feel. It might sound a little too similar to an experiment you tried in middle school science class, but Amazon reviewers say it’s actually easy in practice.
Dimensions: 13.63 x 9.38 x 16.63 inches | Bottle capacity: 0.75 liters | Bottle material: Plastic
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