Get a Soda Machine With a Variety of Features

A soda maker is a home appliance that carbonates water by injecting pressurized carbon dioxide into it. Some also make sparkling beverages like iced tea or fruit juice.

It's a convenient and affordable way to enjoy fizzy drinks at home, while eliminating the bottle and can waste that comes with buying bottles of soda at the store. And since it's an at-home option, you're in control of the ingredients.

You can get a soda machine with a variety of features and price ranges to suit every budget. Some machines can be used to carbonate any liquid and some only work with water, so it's important to consider how you plan to use yours before purchasing one.

The best models are easy to use, produce a high level of carbonation, and come with reusable bottles that are dishwasher safe. Some models are also portable and have a built-in siphon that prevents gas from escaping.

For the avid soda maker, a handheld carbonator is an excellent choice. They're small enough to stash in your back pocket and perfect for tucking into a picnic basket, taking on vacation, or taking to a party.

While most of these handheld carbonators work with a 60-liter CO2 canister, some can be fitted with larger tanks that last longer. Some also have a built-in siphon that keeps gas from leaking out, which helps extend the life of the CO2 canister.

Soda makers can be electric or manual. The electric models are more user-friendly, with settings for various levels of carbonation and a hands-free process. But if you're looking for a compact and portable soda machine, a manual unit is probably the better option.

Most countertop soda makers come with a reusable carbonating bottle that's dishwasher-safe, and some can be paired with standard 60-liter CO2 canisters that you can buy at most grocery stores and online. They usually also have a handle that makes it easier to store them when they're not in use.

This is a top-of-the-line model from Aarke that doesn't require much set-up or practice to use. It's a sleek, minimalist design that looks elegant in your kitchen and produces strong carbonation.

It's a bit more expensive than some other soda makers, but it's worth the price for its quality and versatility. It's also a good choice if you're attempting to limit your plastic usage because it comes with glass bottles that are dishwasher-safe.

The Sparkel is the only at-home soda maker that takes packets instead of CO2 cartridges, so it's great for those who want to avoid bottle and can waste. However, it does have a slightly more complicated setup because you'll have to insert a packet for each batch of beverage you want to make.

Rachel loved this machine's minimalist and modern look and felt that it was a high-quality product at a great value. She especially liked that it can carbonate any liquid, including wine.

Soda maker manufacturers often include an insulated mug and straw with their machines, and some even sell additional flavors to add to the bottles. Some brands offer a variety of options for different tastes and styles, such as lemon, lime, orange, and cola.