4 Best SodaStream Alternatives (October 2026)
The best SodaStream alternatives include the Aarke Carbonator 3 for everyday sparkling water, the Drinkmate OmniFizz Special Bundle for drink experimenters, and the Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System for varied household drinks.
On this page (8 sections)
- Which SodaStream alternatives stand out?
- Best SodaStream alternatives by use
- What should you compare before choosing a SodaStream alternative?
- How do you set up an alternative without buying the wrong extras?
- How can you get better fizz with less mess?
- What care does a sparkling water maker need?
- Which mistakes make switching brands disappointing?
- Which SodaStream alternative should you choose?
The best SodaStream alternative for a simple sparkling-water routine is Aarke Carbonator 3. Choose Drinkmate if you want to carbonate juice or tea, Ninja if your household wants flavored servings, or Aarke Carbonator Pro if you prefer a glass bottle.
The right replacement should solve the reason you're switching. A different-looking machine won't help if your real concern is bottle care, finding replacement gas or making drinks beyond plain water.
For a broader starting point, our guide to how to choose a sparkling water maker explains the main machine types.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
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3
Best for varied household drinksNinja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System
7.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for glass bottle householdsCheck it
Which SodaStream alternatives stand out?
Aarke Carbonator 3 leads for straightforward sparkling water, while the other picks serve more specific routines. Read the order as a starting point, then match each machine to the drinks and bottle care you want.
Aarke Carbonator 3
- Stainless steel enclosure
- Manual, electricity-free operation
- 800 ml BPA-free PET bottle
- Screw-in CO2 cylinder installation
Choose this lever-operated machine for a plain sparkling-water routine and a steel enclosure that stays on the counter. Budget for a compatible CO2 cylinder separately.
Pros
- No outlet needed
- Stainless steel enclosure
- Smaller than Carbonator Pro
Cons
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Included bottle is PET rather than glass
Drinkmate OmniFizz Special Bundle
- Carbonates water, juice and tea
- Two BPA-free bottles
- 60 L CO2 cylinder included
- No electricity needed
Drinkmate suits people who want to add bubbles directly to juice or tea. Its two bottle sizes help you choose between a small drink and a larger batch.
Pros
- Carbonates drinks beyond water
- Two bottle sizes included
- CO2 cylinder included
Cons
- Plastic body and bottles
- Flavored drinks need prompt cleaning
Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System
- Three sparkling levels or still drinks
- 12 oz or 24 oz servings
- 20+ zero and low-calorie flavor options
- 48 oz water reservoir
Ninja suits households that want individual servings with different flavors and fizz levels. It needs electrical power, and flavor pods must be bought separately.
Pros
- Still and sparkling choices
- Can combine 2 flavors
- Two serving sizes
Cons
- Flavor pods are not included
- Needs an outlet and more counter depth
Aarke Carbonator Pro with CO2
- Dishwasher-safe glass bottle
- Stainless steel body
- Push-to-Lock operation
- 60 L CO2 cylinder included
Choose the Pro when a dishwasher-safe glass bottle matters more than a smaller machine. Its taller body needs careful clearance planning.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe glass bottle
- CO2 cylinder included
- One-handed Push-to-Lock operation
Cons
- Larger than Carbonator 3
- 20 in tall
We compared drink options, included equipment, bottle material, controls and counter space. A feature matters here when it changes what you can make or how easily the machine fits your day.
| Product | Best for | Operation | Bottle | Enclosure | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aarke Carbonator 3 | everyday sparkling water | Manual, electricity-free | 800 ml BPA-free PET | Stainless steel | 8.3 |
| Drinkmate OmniFizz Special Bundle | drink experimenters | CO2 powered, electricity-free | 1 L and 0.5 L BPA-free PET | 7.8 | |
| Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System | varied household drinks | Powered drink dispensing | 7.4 | ||
| Aarke Carbonator Pro with CO2 | glass bottle households | Manual, electricity-free | Glass, 700 ml marked filling line | 7.2 |
Best SodaStream alternatives by use
Choose by your main drink habit first, then use bottle material and counter space to narrow the choice. Each pick below has a clear reason to buy it and a reason to move on.
Aarke Carbonator 3
- Stainless steel enclosure
- Manual, electricity-free operation
- 800 ml BPA-free PET bottle
- Screw-in CO2 cylinder installation
Choose this lever-operated machine for a plain sparkling-water routine and a steel enclosure that stays on the counter. Budget for a compatible CO2 cylinder separately.
Pros
- No outlet needed
- Stainless steel enclosure
- Smaller than Carbonator Pro
Cons
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Included bottle is PET rather than glass
Aarke Carbonator 3: SodaStream alternative for plain water
Buy the Carbonator 3 if plain sparkling water is your daily drink and you want a machine that can stay on display. Its stainless steel enclosure and damper-controlled lever give it a different look and control style from a plastic-bodied drink system.
It includes an 800 ml BPA-free PET bottle and uses screw-in cylinder installation. This machine-only package does not include a cylinder, so arrange compatible gas before your first use.
The body measures 10.16 in deep, 6.02 in wide and 16.3 in tall. Leave working room around it rather than assuming a close fit under a cabinet will be convenient.
Skip it if glass is your main reason for changing machines. Compare Aarke Carbonator Pro with CO2 and other glass-bottle options instead.
It's also the wrong priority if you mainly want to carbonate prepared drinks. For plain-water drinkers, the more useful question is whether a refillable routine fits their habits; our SodaStream versus buying seltzer guide helps with that decision.
Drinkmate OmniFizz Special Bundle
- Carbonates water, juice and tea
- Two BPA-free bottles
- 60 L CO2 cylinder included
- No electricity needed
Drinkmate suits people who want to add bubbles directly to juice or tea. Its two bottle sizes help you choose between a small drink and a larger batch.
Pros
- Carbonates drinks beyond water
- Two bottle sizes included
- CO2 cylinder included
Cons
- Plastic body and bottles
- Flavored drinks need prompt cleaning
Drinkmate OmniFizz: for bubbling drinks beyond water
Buy Drinkmate if you want bubbles in drinks you've already prepared, such as juice or tea. That ability is its strongest reason to replace a water-focused machine.
This bundle includes a fizz infuser, 1 L and 0.5 L BPA-free PET bottles, and a 60 L CO2 cylinder. It runs without electricity and measures 8 in deep, 5 in wide and 16 in tall.
The smaller bottle suits a single drink experiment, while the larger one gives you a batch option. Use each bottle's marked fill line rather than treating its named capacity as the carbonation fill amount.
Choose it if you enjoy adjusting your own drink ingredients and will clean the parts promptly afterward. Sweet or sticky drinks create more cleanup than plain water, so variety comes with a care habit.
Skip it if you want glass bottles or only drink unflavored sparkling water and prefer steel construction. Our Drinkmate versus SodaStream comparison explains the choice between direct drink carbonation and a water-first routine.
Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System
- Three sparkling levels or still drinks
- 12 oz or 24 oz servings
- 20+ zero and low-calorie flavor options
- 48 oz water reservoir
Ninja suits households that want individual servings with different flavors and fizz levels. It needs electrical power, and flavor pods must be bought separately.
Pros
- Still and sparkling choices
- Can combine 2 flavors
- Two serving sizes
Cons
- Flavor pods are not included
- Needs an outlet and more counter depth
Ninja Thirsti: for individual flavor choices
Buy Ninja if people in your home want different drinks from the same station. It offers still drinks or 3 sparkling levels, dispenses 12 oz or 24 oz servings, and lets you combine 2 flavors.
The system works with more than 20 zero and low-calorie flavor options. Its 48 oz removable water reservoir and 60 L CO2 cylinder are included, but flavor pods are separate.
This is a serving-focused choice rather than a direct substitute for a lever-operated bottle carbonator. It suits someone who wants to choose a drink at the machine instead of preparing a bottle and adding flavor afterward.
Allow for electrical power and a body measuring 13.13 in deep, 8.14 in wide and 15.98 in tall. Check space for the cup and routine reservoir access as well as the machine itself.
Skip it if plain sparkling water is your only goal or you don't want another flavor supply to manage. Its extra choices are useful when your household will use them regularly.
Aarke Carbonator Pro with CO2
- Dishwasher-safe glass bottle
- Stainless steel body
- Push-to-Lock operation
- 60 L CO2 cylinder included
Choose the Pro when a dishwasher-safe glass bottle matters more than a smaller machine. Its taller body needs careful clearance planning.
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe glass bottle
- CO2 cylinder included
- One-handed Push-to-Lock operation
Cons
- Larger than Carbonator 3
- 20 in tall
Aarke Carbonator Pro: for glass-bottle care
Buy the Carbonator Pro if a dishwasher-safe glass bottle is your main requirement. It pairs that bottle with a stainless steel body, a protective shield and one-handed Push-to-Lock operation.
The included bottle has a 700 ml marked filling line, and this bundle includes a 60 L CO2 cylinder. The machine works without electricity.
Its body measures 11 in deep, 6.7 in wide and 20 in tall, so measure the full working area before choosing it. A machine that fits beneath a shelf still needs enough access for its normal opening and bottle handling.
The glass bottle makes sense for a household that prefers this material and can handle it carefully at the sink and counter. Dishwasher-safe does not make glass immune to chips or impact damage.
Skip it if you need a shorter machine or want to carbonate juice directly. Our guide to sparkling water makers with glass bottles helps you compare the bottle-care tradeoff.
What should you compare before choosing a SodaStream alternative?
Compare drink flexibility, bottle care and replacement gas before cosmetic details. Those choices affect daily use more than a finish you like on the counter.
Start with what you actually drink
Choose a machine for your usual week, not an occasional drink idea. Someone who drinks plain seltzer with dinner has different needs from someone who wants fizzy tea or several flavored servings each afternoon.
Drinkmate's direct carbonation of other drinks and Ninja's flavor system solve different problems. The former lets you work with prepared drinks; the latter gives you drink choices through a dedicated dispensing system.
You can also keep a water-first routine and add flavor after carbonation when the machine's directions allow it. Wanting flavored water does not automatically mean you need to carbonate the flavor ingredients themselves.
Match the bottle to your cleaning habits
Choose glass if its handling and care fit your kitchen, or PET if you're comfortable following its wash and replacement instructions. Neither material removes the need to inspect a bottle before pressurizing it.
The Pro is the glass-bottle choice in this group. For the PET bottles, don't assume that a dishwasher setting suitable for drinking glasses is also suitable for a pressure bottle.
Ninja's reservoir-and-dispensing setup changes the task: think about filling the reservoir and cleaning the drink path as directed. It isn't the same workflow as filling and attaching a carbonation bottle.
Plan gas replacement before the first cylinder empties
Choose a machine whose compatible replacement cylinders you can obtain reliably. Check local exchange options or delivery arrangements before you commit to a new system.
A shared 60 L label does not prove that cylinders use the same connection or fit the same machine. Bottle compatibility and gas-cylinder compatibility are also separate questions.
Our guide to SodaStream CO2 exchange explains how one common exchange system works. Use the SodaStream CO2 cylinder guide to understand the cylinder questions to check, without assuming cross-brand fit.
Measure working space, not just storage space
Measure depth, width and height where the machine will actually stand. Then consider access for installing gas, loading a bottle, opening a shield or removing a reservoir.
A tight corner can make a small appliance awkward even when its base fits. Choose a spot with a stable surface and enough room to complete the whole drink-making process.
For a powered system, include a suitable outlet in that plan. For any model, avoid choosing a location where you must move the machine every time you want a drink.
Think about batch drinks versus separate servings
Choose a bottle routine if you like making water for a meal or keeping a batch ready. Choose individual dispensing when people regularly want different flavors, fizz levels or serving amounts.
Neither approach guarantees less work for every household. Count the steps you repeat most: filling, chilling, making drinks, washing containers and replacing supplies.
How do you set up an alternative without buying the wrong extras?
Confirm the exact bundle, compatible gas and approved bottles before first use. Set up the machine with its own instructions rather than carrying over every step from a previous carbonator.
Make a short first-use checklist
Check whether your chosen package includes the cylinder and containers you need. The Carbonator 3 needs gas arranged separately, while Ninja needs separate flavor pods if flavored drinks are your goal.
Don't buy a stack of spare bottles immediately. Start with the approved container supplied for the machine, learn how much you use, and then decide whether another is useful.
Place the manual where you can refer to it during cylinder installation. Different connection systems need different steps, and forcing a part is a reason to stop and check compatibility.
Wash and assemble the right parts
Wash the food-contact parts using their care directions before making a drink. Keep powered bases out of water, and don't assume a removable part can go in the dishwasher.
Check that the bottle, cap, seal and any drink-contact attachment are correctly fitted. A crooked bottle or misplaced seal can interrupt the process even when the cylinder is full.
Keep the machine upright on a stable counter. Use the manufacturer's assembly order, including any checks required after installing the cylinder.
Start with plain, cold water
Begin with cold water and the correct fill line so you can learn the controls without adding flavor and foam variables. Cold water holds dissolved CO2 more readily than warm water.
Use the recommended starting carbonation step, then adjust within the machine's directions on later drinks. Changing only one thing at a time makes it easier to find the fizz you prefer.
Our guide to how to carbonate water at home covers the basic sequence. Keep the machine's own instructions as the final guide for its controls and pressure release.
Keep old accessories separate until compatibility is clear
Treat bottles, caps, cylinders and drink attachments as model-specific unless compatibility is confirmed. Similar size or appearance is not enough for a container used under pressure.
Don't improvise with an ordinary drinks bottle or glass carafe. Use equipment approved for the exact machine, even if an old accessory appears to attach.
How can you get better fizz with less mess?
Use cold water, respect the fill line and release pressure as directed. Those habits matter more than repeatedly pressing a control and hoping for a stronger drink.
Leave the required air space
Fill to the carbonation mark, which can be below a bottle's full capacity. That space is part of the operating setup, not wasted room you should fill with extra water.
Overfilling can send liquid where it doesn't belong and make a mess during carbonation or release. Keep ice, fruit pieces and other additions out of a pressure bottle unless its instructions expressly allow them.
Build fizz within the machine's directions
Start with a moderate amount of carbonation and learn your preference over several drinks. Stronger fizz can use more gas, so advertised cylinder output should not be treated as a fixed number of servings.
If a drink seems flat, check water temperature, cylinder installation and the gas supply before changing several settings. An empty cylinder and warm water need different fixes.
Don't keep operating a machine that leaks or behaves differently from its normal sequence. Stop, release pressure as instructed and check the troubleshooting steps.
Give foamy drinks enough time
With Drinkmate, follow the drink-specific steps and the fizz infuser's release procedure. Juice and tea can behave differently from plain water, so use the approved filling and carbonation method for the drink.
Don't rush to open a pressurized bottle because the first burst of foam has settled. Complete the required release process before detaching or opening it.
Keep finished drinks capped
Cap a finished bottle promptly if you're saving it for later. Repeated opening releases gas, so a bottle used for several small pours may lose fizz before the last serving.
Make an amount you're likely to drink rather than automatically filling the largest container. Smaller batches can suit a solo drinker who rarely finishes a full bottle.
What care does a sparkling water maker need?
Clean drink-contact parts promptly and inspect pressure bottles regularly. A water-only routine needs less residue removal, but it still needs proper washing and drying.
Clean flavored-drink parts before residue dries
Rinse approved removable parts soon after use, especially after sweet drinks. Follow with the required wash method rather than relying on a quick rinse to remove everything.
Pay attention to bottle necks, caps and any drink-contact attachment. Use only cleaning tools and methods allowed for those parts, and avoid scratching the inside of a pressure bottle.
For Ninja, follow the reservoir and dispensing-path cleaning directions. Don't transfer an infuser-cleaning method from Drinkmate to a different drink system.
Separate bottle care from machine care
The Pro's included glass bottle is dishwasher-safe, but that permission doesn't apply to the machine. Follow the separate care directions for caps, seals and other removable parts.
For PET, check the wash temperature and whether dishwasher use is allowed. Our guide to cleaning SodaStream bottles explains common bottle-care issues, while the instructions for your replacement brand set its exact limits.
Allow cleaned parts to dry before putting them away. Wipe the machine as directed rather than spraying cleaner into openings or controls.
Inspect before pressurizing
Check for cracks, chips, deep scratches, distortion and worn seals. Remove a damaged bottle from use rather than trying another carbonation cycle to see whether it still works.
Check any marked replacement date and follow the bottle maker's rules. A bottle that still holds cold water may no longer be suitable for carbonation.
Which mistakes make switching brands disappointing?
The biggest mistake is changing brands without fixing your original problem. Choose around the task you want to improve, then avoid adding unnecessary supplies or care steps.
Buying appearance instead of a better routine
A steel enclosure can be a good reason to choose a machine that stays visible. It won't solve a need for glass bottles, direct juice carbonation or easier local gas replacement.
Write down your main complaint about the current setup before ordering. If the new machine doesn't address it, a different finish is unlikely to change your daily experience.
Assuming every bundle is ready for every drink
An included cylinder does not mean flavor supplies or extra bottles are included. Make a short list of what you need for your first week, based on the exact package.
Avoid buying accessories for a different version of the same brand's machine. A familiar brand name is not proof of compatibility.
Ignoring the ongoing supply routine
Gas and flavor supplies become repeat errands. Choose a system you can keep supplied without making special trips that you'll soon stop wanting to make.
If convenience is the main goal, nearby replacements may matter more than an extra drink setting. Keep that practical question ahead of the number of options on the machine.
Making more than you'll drink
A larger batch isn't always the better choice for one person. Match preparation to your drinking pace so you spend less time storing half-finished drinks and washing unused containers.
Households can have the opposite problem: one person's preferred flavor may not suit everyone. Separate servings or plain water with flavor added afterward can avoid committing a whole batch to one choice.
Which SodaStream alternative should you choose?
Choose the SodaStream alternative that fixes your main daily inconvenience. Use one clear priority to make the final decision.
- Mostly plain sparkling water: Choose Aarke Carbonator 3 if you want a manual lever and steel enclosure, and are happy with PET.
- Juice or tea with bubbles: Choose Drinkmate if direct carbonation of prepared drinks matters and you'll clean the parts promptly.
- Different drinks for different people: Choose Ninja if serving size, still drinks and flavor combinations justify a powered station and separate pods.
- Glass and dishwasher care: Choose Aarke Carbonator Pro if the included glass bottle is worth giving it more counter height and space.
Before ordering, confirm 3 things: where the machine will work, how you'll replace its gas, and which container-care steps you'll follow. Those checks turn a feature preference into a workable daily routine.
If none of these choices solves your main need, compare the best sparkling water makers before settling on a replacement.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Best for varied household drinks
Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System
7.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best SodaStream alternative for most people?
Aarke Carbonator 3 is the best fit for people who mainly want plain sparkling water and a manual machine with a stainless steel enclosure. Choose a different model when you have a specific need: Drinkmate for carbonating other drinks, Ninja for flavored servings, or Aarke Carbonator Pro for glass.
Can a SodaStream alternative carbonate juice?
Drinkmate OmniFizz Special Bundle can carbonate juice and tea as well as water. Use its instructions for filling, carbonation and pressure release, since flavored drinks can foam differently from plain water; that ability does not mean every sparkling water maker can safely carbonate the same drinks.
Which SodaStream alternative comes with a glass bottle?
Aarke Carbonator Pro with CO2 includes a dishwasher-safe glass bottle with a 700 ml marked filling line. Choose it if bottle material and dishwasher care are priorities; check your available height first, and use only bottles approved for the machine rather than ordinary household glass bottles.
What drink options does Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System offer?
Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System offers still drinks or 3 sparkling levels, with 12 oz and 24 oz serving sizes. It supports more than 20 zero and low-calorie flavor options and can combine 2 flavors; flavor pods are separate, so include them in your plan before ordering.
Do these alternatives need electricity?
The two Aarke models and Drinkmate OmniFizz Special Bundle work without electricity; Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System requires electrical power for its drink system. An electricity-free machine still needs a compatible CO2 supply, so check both the counter setup and your replacement-cylinder options before choosing.
