You mix a drink, top it with soda from a bottle that has been open in the fridge since the weekend, and it lands flat. Carbonation is the one ingredient nobody thinks to upgrade, and yet it decides whether a cocktail tastes crisp or tired.
The category splits in two, and that is the first thing worth understanding. Some units are siphon-style bottles that run on small charger cartridges and go anywhere. Others are countertop carbonators with a dedicated bottle and a lever, built to sit on the counter next to your coffee machine. I worked through the listings for the best soda makers for cocktails by reading what each machine actually states about capacity, cartridge type, and what it can handle, then scored them on the BHK Score system, which weighs stated build, controls, and care instructions rather than marketing copy.
My overall pick for best soda makers for cocktails is the Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator. Its FusionCap lets you carbonate mixed drinks and juice rather than water alone, and the bottle goes straight into the fridge afterward. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | BHK Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Breville InFizz Fusion Drink Carbonator with 1L | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Portability Atldmphic Soda Siphon 1L with Aluminium Body | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Customizable Drinks Sodastream Fountain Soda Machine Starter Kit | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Compact Storage iSi Classic Sodamaker Set with Stainless Steel | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Versatile Carbonation Breville InFizz Fusion Carbonator with 1L Bottle | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Atldmphic Soda Siphon with 1L Aluminum Bottle | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
Breville InFizz Fusion carbonator offers a brushed stainless steel build and 1L bottle for versatile home carbonation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1 Liter Bottle
- Material
- Brushed Stainless Steel
- Dimensions
- 10.3 x 6 x 16.9 Inches
- Included Accessories
- FusionCap, 1L Bottle, Cleaning Brush, Funnel, Sieve
Pros
- +FusionCap enables carbonation of various beverages without artificial flavors
- +Included accessories like cleaning brush and funnel aid maintenance
- +Locking system with ergonomic ring pull simplifies operation
Cons
- −CO2 cylinder not included requiring separate purchase
- −Relatively heavy at nearly 8 pounds for portable use
- −Limited to standard screw type 60L CO2 canisters only
Detailed Review
This Breville InFizz Fusion Drink Carbonator features a brushed stainless steel body and die cast lever that provide a sturdy and premium appearance. It uses an innovative FusionCap allowing carbonation of a range of beverages including juices, teas, cocktails, and wine, which adds versatility beyond plain water. The included 1L bottle with a stainless steel cap and base is practical for storing sparkling drinks in the fridge.
I see this unit working best in kitchens where countertop space is moderate given its 10.3 by 6 by 16.9 inch size and weight close to 8 pounds, which may affect portability. The magnetic drip tray is a thoughtful addition to manage spills and simplifies cleanup since it is removable. Worth knowing before you buy is that the CO2 cylinder is not included and only standard 60L screw-type canisters are compatible.
I'd consider this carbonator a reasonable pick for users who want flexibility in carbonation options and a durable build. Its design suits home kitchens that can accommodate its size and weight without frequent moving.
The Atldmphic Soda Siphon is a 1-liter aluminium soda maker using 8g CO2 cartridges for portable carbonation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1 Liter
- Material
- Aluminium
- Included
- Silicone Ice Cube Mold
- Dimensions
- 3.9 x 13.7 x 3.9 inches
Pros
- +Lightweight aluminium bottle for easy transport
- +Compact size ideal for limited counter space
- +Silicone ice cube mold included for drink customization
Cons
- −CO2 cartridges not included requiring separate purchase
- −Requires filling below two-thirds capacity for safe use
- −Limited to 1-liter capacity which may not suit larger groups
Detailed Review
This Atldmphic soda siphon features a 1-liter aluminium body that keeps the unit lightweight and portable for home or outdoor use. Its compact footprint measuring about 3.9 by 13.7 inches allows it to fit easily on most countertops without clutter. The included silicone ice cube mold is a practical accessory for making shaped ice balls that complement homemade sodas.
I see this unit working best for individuals or small households who want to carbonate water conveniently using standard 8g CO2 cartridges, which are easy to source but must be purchased separately. Worth knowing before you buy is the requirement to fill the siphon to less than two-thirds capacity to operate safely, which limits batch size. For my money, this suits casual carbonation needs rather than high-volume use.
Sodastream Fountain is a soda maker with adjustable fizz and flavor intensity, including a 60L CO2 canister and flavor connectors for custom sodas.
Key Facts
- Size
- 14.92 x 15.31 x 20.39 Inches
- Weight
- 9.7 Pounds
- Included
- 60L CO2 Canister, 2 Flavor Connectors, Pepsi Zero Flavor
Pros
- +Adjustable fizz and flavor intensity for personalized drinks
- +Includes 60L CO2 canister for extended use without refills
- +Quick drink preparation with one-touch operation
- +Starter kit contains flavor connectors and popular soda flavors
Cons
- −Bulky footprint may challenge very small countertop spaces
- −Weight near 10 pounds adds to countertop heaviness
- −Limited to black and silver color options
Detailed Review
The Sodastream Fountain soda machine features a 60L CO2 canister allowing for multiple sparkling water refills before replacement. It comes with two flavor connectors and a Pepsi Zero flavor for immediate use. The unit measures 14.92 by 15.31 by 20.39 inches and weighs 9.7 pounds, which means it requires a reasonably sized countertop space and may feel heavy for frequent repositioning.
I see this machine working best for those who want precise control over carbonation and flavor intensity, as it supports over 1,000 drink varieties through customizable settings. The one-touch preparation lets users make drinks in under 30 seconds, supporting quick refreshment.
Worth knowing before you buy is the relatively large footprint and weight, which could limit placement in very compact kitchens. For my money, this setup suits users prioritizing drink customization and variety over minimal counter space.
iSi Classic Sodamaker is a 1-quart stainless steel sparkling water system with 50 CO2 chargers for home carbonation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1 Quart
- Material
- Stainless Steel Mesh and BPA-Free Plastic
- Included
- 50 CO2 Chargers
- Dimensions
- 4 x 4 x 12.6 inches
Pros
- +Durable stainless steel mesh design for protection
- +Compact size for convenient refrigerator storage
- +Generous 50-pack of CO2 chargers included
Cons
- −Limited 1-quart capacity not ideal for large families
- −Requires hand washing due to mixed materials
- −No temperature rating provided for dishwasher use
Detailed Review
The iSi Classic Sodamaker features a stainless steel mesh encasing a BPA-free plastic bottle, which balances durability with a sleek appearance. Its 1-quart capacity is practical for individuals or small households wanting to carbonate beverages without waste. I see this working best for those who value a compact device since its 4 by 4 by 12.6-inch footprint fits easily in most refrigerators.
Included with the set are 50 CO2 chargers, allowing for repeated carbonation without immediate repurchase. Worth knowing before you buy is that the mixed material construction usually requires hand washing to maintain the integrity of the components. I rate this a reasonable pick for users seeking a straightforward, mid-capacity home carbonation system with a focus on durability and refill convenience.
Breville InFizz Fusion is a stainless steel sparkling drink carbonator with a 1L bottle and unique FusionCap for versatile carbonation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1L / 34oz bottle
- Material
- Stainless steel body and die cast lever
- Dimensions
- 10.3 x 6 x 16.9 inches
- Weight
- 7.87 pounds
Pros
- +Unique FusionCap allows carbonation of various beverages safely
- +1L bottle included enables making and storing sparkling drinks
- +Stainless steel body and die cast lever add premium feel
- +Magnetic drip tray simplifies cleaning and prevents countertop mess
Cons
- −CO2 cylinder not included requiring separate purchase
- −Relatively heavy at nearly 8 pounds for limited portability
- −Limited color option with only Black Truffle finish available
Detailed Review
The Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator stands out with its unique FusionCap technology, which safely carbonates a variety of beverages including juice, tea, and cocktails. This feature allows more versatility than soda-only carbonators. It includes a 1L bottle with stainless steel cap and base designed for carbonation and storage, offering convenience for preparing drinks in advance.
The machine’s stainless steel body and die cast lever provide a sturdy, premium feel that fits well in modern kitchens. Its compact footprint of about 10 by 6 inches suits smaller counters, and the magnetic drip tray helps keep the area clean by catching spills and easily coming off for cleaning. I see this working best for those who want to carbonate multiple drink types and store them chilled.
Worth knowing before purchase is that the CO2 cylinder is not included, which adds to initial setup cost. Also, it weighs nearly 8 pounds, making it less ideal for frequent countertop moves. Overall, I rate this a reasonable pick for home users prioritizing variety and premium materials.
This Atldmphic soda siphon features a 1-liter aluminum bottle for making carbonated water with standard 8g CO2 cartridges.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1 Liter
- Material
- Aluminum
- Dimensions
- 3.9 x 13.7 x 3.9 inches
- CO2 Cartridge
- 8 Gram (Not Included)
Pros
- +Lightweight aluminum body for portability
- +Moderate 1L capacity for individual or couple servings
- +Simple screw-on CO2 cap system for straightforward carbonation
Cons
- −Requires separate purchase of 8g CO2 cartridges
- −Hand washing recommended to prevent odors after cleaning
- −Limited to black color option without alternatives
Detailed Review
This soda siphon uses a 1-liter aluminum bottle, which keeps the unit lightweight and manageable for indoor or outdoor use. Its footprint measures approximately 3.9 by 13.7 inches, making it suitable for kitchens with limited counter space or for carrying on camping trips. The device operates with standard 8 gram CO2 cartridges that are not included, so sourcing these separately is necessary.
I'd consider this soda maker a reasonable pick for those who want a straightforward carbonation process thanks to its screw-on cap design. However, the bottle requires careful cleaning and drying between uses to avoid developing unpleasant odors, which adds some maintenance effort. Its single black color limits aesthetic options but keeps the design simple.
This siphon fits best in households or individuals seeking a portable, compact way to make sparkling water without extra features or large capacity.
FAQs
Can you carbonate a cocktail that already contains alcohol?
Some machines are explicitly listed for cocktails and wine, while others are described for water only, so the listing decides what you can put inside. The Breville InFizz Fusion, for example, states that it fizzes cocktails and wine. For anything outside the manufacturer’s stated use, the manual comes first.
Is a siphon better than a countertop carbonator for small kitchens?
A siphon earns its place in a small kitchen because it stores in a cabinet and needs no counter footprint at all. The aluminium models here run roughly three and a half inches across and stand about a foot tall. A countertop unit takes permanent space but carbonates larger volumes with a lever pull.
Do you need to buy CO2 cartridges separately?
Most of these ship without gas, and the cartridge format varies by machine, so check the listing before ordering. Siphon models take small 8 gram cartridges, while the countertop carbonators use larger screw-type canisters. Ordering the wrong format is the most common way a first batch of drinks gets delayed.
How much soda does one charge actually make?
Capacity is stated per machine, and it ranges from a single liter bottle up to a full quart, which is enough for two or three drinks. Siphon bottles are typically filled to about two-thirds so the gas has room to work. Going past the marked fill line is where results get inconsistent.
Final Thoughts
What separates these machines is not the fizz itself but what each one is willing to carbonate and how much cleanup follows. Decide whether you are carbonating water for everyday drinking or already-mixed drinks for guests, and the shortlist narrows fast.
For a home bar where drinks get built by the glass, the Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator is the pick I would make. The FusionCap is the reason: it is built for carbonating juice, tea, cocktails, and wine rather than plain water alone, and the included bottle stores in the fridge so a batch is ready when company arrives. It runs on a lever and no power, which keeps it usable on a bar cart without an outlet nearby. The trade-off is that the CO2 canister is not included, so factor that into the first weekend.
If the goal is sparkling drinks on a small budget, the Soda Siphon 1L Carbonated Soda Maker is the value pick. It is a siphon bottle rather than a countertop appliance, so it tucks into a cabinet and travels to a picnic or a rented cabin without complaint. You fill it to about two-thirds, add an 8 gram cartridge, and shake. The silicone ice mold in the box is a small but genuinely useful extra for stirred drinks. Just know that the cartridge format is different from the larger machines, so buy the right ones up front.
Pick the format that matches how you actually drink, and the guesswork about flat soda disappears from the equation.