Even though SodaStreams have been around since 1903, they still spark conversation. There’s something undeniably fun about turning plain tap water into sparkling seltzer in seconds. If you're thinking about bringing that kind of luxury into your kitchen, you're in the right place. I’ve tested every major Sodastream model (plus a few worthy competitors) to help you decide which Sodastream to buy.
I bought my first Sodastream during a Black Friday sale in 2018. As a sparkling water obsessive, it felt like a smart move – but I eventually passed it on to my parents. It worked fine, but as an appliance editor, I’m constantly juggling new gear, and the bulky design didn’t quite earn its keep in my small kitchen. SodaStreams can be a great investment, but you need to pick the right model for your needs, kitchen, and tastes.
So, which SodaStream should you buy? I've tested their basic, mid-range, and premium models, as well as the key competitor brands like Ninja, Breville, and Smeg. My winner is the SodaStream Art, which balances style and value for money, and I've rounded up the rest into the quick list. Whatever you choose, you'll want to look out for the seasonal deals on the horizon. With 4th July and Amazon Prime Day around the corner, summer is a great time to upgrade your hydration station.
Two-minute summary
This is my favorite SodaStream and the most attractive. The retro lever looks and feels more premium than the standard button, and makes it easy to carbonate water exactly to your tastes.
The simplest and most budget-friendly SodaStream is only $70. My family has owned it for six years without a single fizz failure. It is bulky but reliable.
This rival from Smeg is beautiful to use and to look at. A simple twist creates a customised drink, from delicate sparkling water to ultra-fizzy mixers. It is pricey, but a design-forward way to elevate the everyday.
Which Sodastream should you buy? Our guide to the range
Here’s a detailed guide to shopping the SodaStream range. I start with my review of the entry-level Gaia, move on to a solid mid-range option, and finish with my top pick: the Art – which strikes the best balance between aesthetics, functionality, and value for money.
The basic model: Gaia
The bottom line: This is a basic model. It's brilliant for beginners, if a little fiddly, and you'll need to almost double your money to get a notably better model.
The most simple SodaStream, the Gaia, is the first one I bought. If you're on the fence with fizz, it's the most appealing option, because it's only $70 and generally a good representation of all SodaStreams. You'll be able to use it easily and it won't take up much room.
Nearly six years after buying this, it's still working as if it's brand new. The plastic body, which felt a little cheap at first, hasn't scratched or worn; it only needs wiping down every so often to stop it from getting too grubby.
The mechanisms are simple. It tilts, you screw the reusable bottle in, and then depress the button between three and five times to achieve the suitable amount of sparkles in your drink. The screwing and unscrewing is a bit of a pain and has baffled a lot of guests, but you quickly become accustomed to it.
I have since donated my original Gaia to my parents, who love and use it regularly. The reason I don't have this anymore is because I began to feel that it was a little basic, boring, and cheap. The button and the machine is nice, but I saw some of SodaStream's other models (and the sleeker rivals) and my eyes wandered.
The mid-range model: Terra
The bottom line: The Terra is more expensive than the Gaia, but doesn't offer more than slight improvements. It's not worth considering unless you can get a good discount.
The Terra is a little taller and slimmer than the Gaia, and also a little heavier. SodaStream introduced the QuickSnap Lock for this model, eliminating the annoying twist function, but that's basically the only mechanical difference.
Although sleeker than the Gaia, the Terra still feels like clutter. I tested it for four months, and stuck it in my cupboards after every use. I actually had to remove a shelf to fit this in, because it's so tall, but I would rather lose cupboard storage than clutter my countertops.
This doesn't use any more or less gas than the Gaia. In fact, I think they're identical. One tank is supposed to make 60L of water, so should last a couple of months. Mine lasted about four months, even though I drank at least a liter per day. I've put this down to my sparkle levels – I prefer it flatter – but I still think they both last a reasonable amount of time.
While I did like it, all things considered, it's much more expensive than the Gaia and even if it feels a little more premium, it's not worth wasting extra money on marginal differences.
The premium model: Art
The bottom line: Art isn't even the most premium SodaStream, but it's the best. I'd recommend it to those who are certain they'll use theirs every day.
If you don't mind spending more money and know you'll use your soda maker every day, this is where I would recommend you spend. The Art looks premium, it feels premium, it is premium. I wouldn't keep the other models on the countertop, but I could see this sneaking its way onto display.
There's no fumbling to get this working, the lid snaps into position and then the machine is ready to go. It's the biggest of all the SodaStreams and is still manual, but the lever, rather than the flimsy button controls the fizzing. This is much more sensitive and feels much nicer to use.
If you want to, there's a more luxurious model, the E-Terra, which electronically carbonates water. It's a similar size to the Art, except a little thinner. Whilst an automatic system sounds appealing, it's actually not that useful. The manual controls aren't laborious or complex, so opting for an automated model feels excessive. I think the Art is the peak before you get diminishing returns on price.
Comparison table
Gaia |
Terra |
Art |
E-Terra |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Colors |
Black |
Black, white, red, blue |
Black, white, red, blue |
Black, white |
Carbonation |
Manual (button) |
Manual (button) |
Manual (lever) |
Electric |
Carbonation levels |
Up to 5 different options |
Up to 5 different options |
Up to 5 different options |
Automatic (3 options) |
Dishwasher safe bottle |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Capacity |
1 and 0.5 l bottles |
1 and 0.5 l bottles |
1 and 0.5 l bottles |
1 and 0.5 l bottles |
Bottle inserstion |
Twist lock |
QuickSnap |
QuickSnap |
QuickSnap |
Dimensions |
16.9 x 5.4 x 8.7 |
16.8 x 6.8 x 9.6 inches |
16.9 x 6.8 x 9.6 inches |
16.77 x 5 x 7.67 inches |
RRP |
$69.99 |
$99.99 |
$149.99 |
$159.99 |
Are there any alternatives to SodaStreams?
Ninja, Smeg, Breville and Aarke make alternative models to SodaStreams. They offer different functions and interesting design features which may suit you better. Here is my take on each rival model.
For sparkling water, it makes sense to buy a SodaStream. However, if you want to fizz your own wine and juices, you need the Breville InFizz. You can't fizz anything except water in the SodaStream (although, you can buy syrups which you add to the SodaStream water afterwards). The InFizz is also crafted with stainless steel, so feels more durable. It's a beautiful, more premium option.
Read my full Breville InFizz review here.
A super fun way to keep yourself and your family hydrated. You can make colorful drinks packed with electrolytes for hydration or vitamins for easy nutrition. I think it's a great option for younger kids, since there are tons of sugar-free flavor drops to choose from and there is an option to create still, flavored waters (unlike the SodaStream).
Slim, sleek and cordless. This is a premium pick, crafted with BPA-free materials. It's a beautiful to use and look at, with a range of colors to suit any home. It can only carbonate water, though, unlike the Breville and Ninja options.
Read more in our full Smeg Soda Maker review.
FAQs
Is it worth buying a SodaStream?
There are lots of reasons why people buy SodaStreams: saving money, reducing plastic consumption, or simply making fun, flavored sparkling drinks.
When I saw SodaStream Black Friday discounts in my local store, I snapped one up, figuring that $70 isn’t the most expensive mistake to make. The worst that would happen could be that I wouldn’t use it and could sell it on.
In fact, the opposite happened. I used it pretty much every day and often took the portable bottle with me to work. During the pandemic, my family ended up building a home bar around it. I've moved out of that home now, but my parents still make daily sparkling water, ginger beers, and lemonade treats with the syrups that you can buy.
My verdict is: if you drink soda every day, a SodaStream will help you cut costs and reduce your plastic waste. If you manage to find one on clearance, it pays for itself over and over again. If you're not that bothered about sparkling drinks, it's not worth it. You'll use it a few times, then forget you ever bought it.
When is the best time to buy a Sodastream?
In my experience as a Kitchen Appliance Editor, Black Friday and Cyber Monday tend to offer the best deals on SodaStream products. In the past, I have seen some good bundle deals and price drops which make the brand more accessible for holiday gifting and entertaining.
The summer season is also a good time to shop for a SodaStream at a discount. You'll find decent savings on Amazon Prime Day (which tends to be in mid-July). Rival brands, such as Ninja, usually offer some tempting discounts around the 4th of July, too.
Is it annoying to get the refills for SodaStreams?
It's really easy and most stores that sell the cylinders also recycle them for you, such as Walmart. I thought I would hate this part, but I really don't. It's surprisingly easy.
Can I use a SodaStream from anywhere?
The models that I have talked about are all cordless, so you can use them on any flat surface.
Are SodaStreams useful or just clutter?
If you don't drink much soda, they'll be pointless clutter. If you drink it every week, you'll find this really useful.
Final thoughts
I love SodaStream, but you have to be careful about which model you buy. I would either opt for the basic Gaia and suck up the fiddly controls or go for the Art, which is luxurious to use and more expensive, but the best overall. Whichever you choose, I hope it's everything you soda-dreamed of.
