Choosing the Right Soda Maker: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

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Written by Abigail Jolly
April 04, 2024 | Reading time 9 minutes

Why do I need a soda maker?

Investing in a soda maker is a game-changer, it allows you to control carbonation and sweetness levels in your beverages. Not to mention it's more economical, environmentally friendly, and lets you experiment with delicious flavors.

Navigating the world of soda makers can be as bubbly and overwhelming as the carbonated beverages they produce. Whether you're an ardent fan of the classic Shark Ninja Thirsti or a modern-day aficionado of Aarke models, making the right pick is like tinkering with the perfect soda recipe – it's an art.

Here at Soda Sense, we're not just your CO2 refill guys, we're also soda maker aficionados who can guide you through this effervescing journey.

Our mission? To ensure you always have a refreshing, homemade fizzy drink in hand while you navigate this guide from the comfort of your own home.

Buying guide for the best soda maker

When selecting your soda maker, it's important to consider the following important factors:

1. Brand & compatibility

In a saturated market filled with numerous brands, the team at Soda Sense stands out with our affinity for the Shark Ninja Thirsti and Aarke models. These models have not only received rave reviews for their exceptional performance and durability, but they also possess remarkable carbonation abilities.

Brand recognition is only half of the decision though as compatibility is also key. Compatibility refers to the resources and tools each soda maker requires in order for it to fizz your beverages. Tools such as CO2 canisters, flavored syrup refills, carbonator bottles, etc.

Some soda makers require the use of a Quick Connect canister which can be hard to refill outside of your soda maker's line. Thankfully, we've got you covered from Threaded to Easy Connect canisters! But we won't get ahead of ourselves as our CO2 Refill Club is point no. 2!

2. CO2 refill program

Ensuring your soda maker is compatible with an online exchange program MUST be a consideration before clicking that purchase button. You already have to shell out a little bit of doe on your switch from canned seltzers to a soda maker, so it's imperative that your soda maker is compatible with an affordable and convenient exchange program outside of your soda makers brand such as SodaStream.

That's why at Soda Sense, we've developed just that, the CO2 Refill Club. This club ensures you never have to worry about being roped into a single brand's online exchange program-- providing a seamless system where you can ship and receive CO2 refills right from your doorstep. No stress, just bubbles.

3. Design & aesthetics

You don't have to be an interior designer to care about how your appliances look in your day to day kitchen. The design of a sparkling water maker isn't just about the looks! Sure, having a pretty color or interesting design is a fun perk, but it's also incredibly important to consider the usability for the machines design.

Such as, do you prefer to carbonate using a handle or a button? Do you prefer to have your flavoring syrup mixed in by the soda maker, or by hand? Answering these questions will quickly narrow down your vast search and point you in the direction you want to go.

P.S: it's kinda hard to find an ugly soda maker ;)

4. Budget

Soda makers are a one-time investment with long-lasting benefits. As we've already mentioned, there can be a list of reasons why one soda maker is more expensive than others and design, compatibility, and usability play a large role in that price tag.

There are tons of available soda makers that are very affordable and are specifically steered toward the newbie sparkling water makers who are first dipping their toe in the fizzy beverage space. The decision on price is purely up to your immediate needs. If you don't need a fancy sparkling water maker, that's okay! Search for starter sparkling water makers instead, they'll be your fizzy best friend.

At the end of the day, the right soda maker for you is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences. Because let's face it – nothing tastes better than a glass of homemade soda tailored to your liking!

The difference betweeen Threaded and Easy connect canisters for co2 refill Soda sense's compatability for co2 refill with a variety of soda makers Soda Sense co2 refill available for you in your home Easily exchange your co2 refills at home Learn why Soda Sense co2 refills are more compatible and more convenient than competitors

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History of sparkling water makers

The history of soda makers traces back to the 18th century when the concept of infusing water with carbon dioxide was first introduced. It was Joseph Priestley, an English chemist, who discovered a method to "impregnate" water with carbon dioxide by suspending a bowl of water above a beer vat.

However, it wasn't until 1903 that commercial household soda makers made their debut, thanks to a Swedish company named AGA. The invention of soda siphons soon followed, which were glass bottles with an attached siphon incorporated to dispense the water. The craftsmanship continually evolved, and by the late 20th century, companies began producing user-friendly, countertop soda makers, revolutionizing the way we consume carbonated drinks.

Today, different brands offer sophisticated models with a stylish aesthetic appeal and innovative features, bringing the carbonation process right into our kitchens. A delightful fizz, a dash of flavor, and voila - your homemade soda is ready to serve!

Related Read: How to Make Sparkling Water at Home

Are soda makers truly eco-friendly?

best soda maker

Absolutely, soda makers are an incredibly eco-friendly choice! In a world where conscious consumption is gaining momentum, investing in a soda maker is a leap in the right direction.

By making your own carbonated drinks at home, you can significantly reduce the demand for store-bought, single-use plastic bottles. This not only contributes to decreasing plastic waste but also cuts down on the carbon emissions associated with transporting bottled drinks.

Furthermore, our CO2 canisters at Soda Sense are designed to be reused and recycled. Once you've used up your CO2, simply ship the empty canisters to us and we'll take care of refilling and reshipping them back your way so you can get back to the important things, making sparkling water!

Related Read: How Our Organic CO2 Helps Reduce Carbon Footprints

    Can I make my favorite kind of soda using a sparkling water maker?

    Making your favorite store bought sodas is exactly why many people purchase sparkling water makers! In fact, homemade sodas often surpass your go to sodas in taste and freshness.

    With a home soda maker, you have the flexibility to adjust the level of carbonation to your preference. This is a difficult perk to come by as many people vary in their preference of bubble to water ratio.

    Even though you may only want to make your favorite Coke or Fanta recipe, owning a sparkling water maker opens you up to a whole new world of flavors and ingredients to experiment with. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a superior carbonated drink that is tailored exactly to your liking, and often healthier than commercially produced alternatives. Say goodbye to settling for plain soda, and hello to you new career as a professional soda-ologist!

    3 hacks to try with your new sparkling water maker

    1. Carbonate cold water

    Carbonating cold water produces the finest carbonation. Cold water possesses a greater capacity to retain carbon dioxide gas compared to warm water, thus influencing the carbonation process. When the temperature of the water is lower, the molecules become more closely packed, creating ample space for the CO2 molecules to dissolve into the water.

    On the other hand, when the water is warm, the molecules exhibit greater movement, which hampers the dissolution of CO2 molecules. Consequently, this leads to reduced carbonation and a less effervescent beverage. Thus, for the utmost carbonation and the most invigorating and bubbly drinks, it is advisable to consistently employ cold water in your soda maker.

    2. Experiment with new flavors

    One of the joys of owning a soda maker is the endless flavor possibilities. From classic cola to exotic fruit flavors, you're only limited by your imagination. Try mixing different syrups, infuse with fruits or herbs, or even create your own signature blend. Remember, the key to a great soda is balance, so have fun experimenting until you find the perfect mix of sweetness and fizz that suits your palate.

    3. Use sparkling water around the house

    The versatility of sparkling water extends beyond the kitchen and into various aspects of household maintenance. Before you toss your unused sparkling water, try these fun alternatives to avoid any waste:

    • A natural cleanser for jewelry, helping to restore the shine without the use of harsh chemicals
    • Removing fabric stains, particularly those from red wine, by lifting the stain from the fibers
    • Natural alternative to window cleaner

    Interested in more fun ways to repurpose sparkling water? Check out these 5 surprising uses for sparkling water where we dive further into the sparkling possibilities that fizzy water holds.

    Remember, at Soda Sense, we're always ready to help you with your fizzy adventures. Whether you need a refill, want to try a new soda maker, or simply need some soda-making advice, we're just a click away!

    Settle the bet, are canned sodas more affordable than sparkling water makers?

    best soda maker

    When it comes to convenience, canned sodas certainly seem to have the upper hand. But the debate shifts once we discuss cost-effectiveness. Soda makers are more affordable in the long run even though they require an initial investment upfront.

    Transitioning from canned sodas to a soda maker not only adds a personalized touch to your refreshments but also makes a lot of cents (pun intended).

    Don't believe us? We lay out all the details from price per can to price per canister on our blog "Soda Machine vs. Canned Seltzer Water: Which Is More Affordable?"

    Check it out and let us know if we've settled your debate!

    Crucial maintenance tips

    After investing in the perfect soda maker, it's crucial to keep this handy gadget in top form. Regular maintenance will ensure that your machine continues to produce bubbly beverages for years to come:

    1. Regular Cleaning: Like any kitchen appliance, your soda maker needs regular cleaning. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use can go a long way in keeping your machine sparkling clean and hygienic.
    2. Proper Handling: It's important to handle your soda bottles with care. Always make sure to screw in the CO2 canister properly and don't over-tighten to prevent any damage.
    3. Storage: Store your soda maker in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures as they could affect the performance of your machine and the quality of your beverages.
    4. Regular Refills: Of course, we can't forget about the CO2 canisters! Keeping a steady supply ensures you won't run out of bubbly goodness. Join our CO2 Refill Club at Soda Sense and never worry about running out of CO2 again.
    5. Water Type: The choice of water—tap, filtered, or bottled spring—significantly influences the longevity of your sparkling water maker and can even impact the taste of home sodas due to different mineral compositions.

    Cheers to choosing a better alternative!

    best soda maker

    In conclusion, investing in a soda maker like the Shark Ninja Thirsti or Aarke models is not just a sustainable and cost-effective choice, but also a delightful and creative journey for any soda enthusiast. The power to customize your beverages and experiment with flavors is a luxury that canned sodas simply can't match. Plus, with our CO2 Refill Club at Soda Sense, you have a hassle-free, never-ending supply of fizz delivered to your doorstep. So why wait? Join the effervescent revolution, quench your thirst in style, and begin your soda-making adventure today!

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