Water equipment
Best Sparkling Water Makers
A countertop carbonator turns plain tap or filtered water into sparkling water on demand using a reusable CO2 cylinder — a way to get fizzy water without buying and recycling can after can.
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Quick picks
We are still verifying product picks for sparkling water makers, and we only list products after an editor has checked them. Until then, here is how to build a shortlist that fits your home.
- CO2 cylinder cost. Ongoing cost comes from cylinder refills or exchanges, so compare liters per cylinder and how you get replacements.
- Carbonation control. Check whether you can set the fizz level or only press a preset.
- Bottle type. Glass, stainless and BPA-free plastic bottles differ in durability and cleaning.
- Size. Measure the counter space and height under cabinets before buying.
Full comparison
Our product comparison for sparkling water makers fills in as products are reviewed. These are the criteria we compare on, so you can check any model against them yourself.
| What to compare | What to look for |
|---|---|
| CO2 cylinder cost | Ongoing cost comes from cylinder refills or exchanges, so compare liters per cylinder and how you get replacements. |
| Carbonation control | Check whether you can set the fizz level or only press a preset. |
| Bottle type | Glass, stainless and BPA-free plastic bottles differ in durability and cleaning. |
| Size | Measure the counter space and height under cabinets before buying. |
How countertop carbonation works
These machines force pressurized CO2 from a refillable cylinder into a bottle of water, dissolving carbon dioxide into the water to create carbonation — similar in principle to how naturally carbonated mineral waters get their fizz, just added mechanically rather than occurring at the source. Carbonation level is usually adjustable by how many times you press the carbonating button or hold it down.
CO2 cylinder cost and swapping
Ongoing cost comes down to how many liters of sparkling water one CO2 cylinder produces and the local exchange/refill price — this varies by brand and cylinder size, so it's worth checking the manufacturer's stated liters-per-cylinder figure rather than assuming all cylinders are equivalent. Most systems use an exchange model: swap an empty cylinder for a full one at a participating retailer rather than refilling it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Can I carbonate flavored water or juice?
Most manufacturers explicitly recommend only plain, cold water in the carbonating bottle — carbonating anything with sugar or pulp can cause pressure buildup or clogging, and usually voids the warranty. Flavor is typically added after carbonating.
How long does one CO2 cylinder last?
It depends entirely on cylinder size and how much you carbonate, but manufacturers publish a rated liters-per-cylinder figure — check that number for the specific size you're buying rather than assuming a standard.
Is homemade sparkling water as good as bottled sparkling water?
It depends what you're comparing it to. Home-carbonated tap water won't match the natural mineral profile of something like San Pellegrino or Perrier, but it will produce genuinely carbonated water at a much lower per-liter cost with no cans to recycle.
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