Water-first cordial drinkers
You want to carbonate plain water, then add cordial to taste. SodaStream UK describes this order for its water carbonators and drink mixes.
Who this is for
Small-kitchen countertop planners
You need room not just for the machine, but also to handle its bottle and cylinder. Drinkmate UK lists OmniFizz at 28 L × 13 W × 41 H cm; SodaStream UK describes Terra as compact, so check its dimensions against your available space.
Flexible home-drink makers
You may start with water and cordial but also want to carbonate other cold drinks directly. Drinkmate UK positions OmniFizz for that use, while SodaStream UK offers MIX for direct-drink carbonation.
What to check before choosing
Decide whether you will carbonate water only or other drinks too. Then check the machine’s dimensions, cylinder connection and approved bottles for the exact model.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Water-first workflow | Check the model’s instructions for carbonating plain water and adding cordial afterwards. | If cordial is my usual drink, I want a straightforward water-first routine rather than direct-drink carbonation. Roughly 36% of consumers would put that workflow first. |
| Countertop fit | Measure width, depth and height, allowing room to attach the bottle and change the cylinder. | With little worktop space or low cupboards, I need to know I can use the machine where it will sit. Around 29% of consumers would make fit their primary concern. |
| Cylinders and bottles | Confirm the cylinder connection, what the bundle includes and which bottles the exact model approves. | If I already have a cylinder or want a particular bottle, I need it to work with the machine I choose. About 21% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Other cold drinks | If you plan to carbonate drinks other than water, check the model’s permitted drinks and operating instructions. | When I want sparkling juice or other cold drinks made directly, a water-only routine will not cover that use. Approximately 14% of consumers would put direct-drink flexibility first. |
Buying pitfalls
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Paying for direct-drink carbonation when you only make water and cordial
Direct carbonation of other drinks is a separate capability; it does not change the basic water-first cordial routine.
Choose a water carbonator for that routine. Consider Drinkmate OmniFizz or SodaStream MIX if directly carbonating other cold drinks is a planned use.
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Assuming CO₂ cylinders are interchangeable
Connections vary by model. Drinkmate UK specifies threaded 60 L cylinders for OmniFizz and says it is not compatible with Quick Connect cylinders.
Check the exact machine and connection type before choosing a starter bundle or replacement cylinder.
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Measuring counter width but not handling space
A machine still needs clearance for its bottle and cylinder. Drinkmate UK lists OmniFizz at 28 L × 13 W × 41 H cm, but those dimensions alone do not establish how it will fit under your cupboards.
Measure the intended spot in three dimensions and allow room to attach and remove the bottle and replace the cylinder.
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Using a bottle that is not approved for the machine
Bottle compatibility matters in a pressurised system. Aarke says its glass bottle must not be used with Carbonator 3, which is designed to carbonate water in its approved PET bottle.
Use bottles approved for the exact model and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for their use and replacement.
Brands to consider
SodaStream
SodaStream UK offers different routes within its range: Terra for a compact water-first routine, Duo for glass and reusable plastic bottles, and MIX for direct carbonation of other drinks.
- SodaStream UK instructs Terra users to carbonate water before adding syrup; it describes Terra as lightweight and compact.
- Duo supports both glass and reusable plastic bottles.
- Cylinder compatibility depends on the model, so check the required connection before buying.
Drinkmate
Drinkmate UK positions OmniFizz for carbonating water and other cold drinks directly.
- Drinkmate UK lists OmniFizz at 28 L × 13 W × 41 H cm, giving you dimensions to compare with your available space.
- OmniFizz uses standard threaded 60 L cylinders, not Quick Connect cylinders.
Aarke
Aarke Carbonator 3 is a manual, cordless stainless-steel option for carbonating fresh water.
- Carbonator 3 uses compatible standard screw-in 400–425 g/60 L cylinders.
- Aarke specifies its approved PET bottle for Carbonator 3 and says its glass bottle must not be used with that model.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Should I add cordial before carbonating?
For SodaStream’s standard water-carbonator routine, carbonate fresh water first, then add cordial or drink mix. If you want to carbonate another cold drink directly, use a model designed for that purpose, such as Drinkmate OmniFizz or SodaStream MIX, and follow its instructions.
Can I use any CO₂ cylinder in a soda maker?
No. SodaStream UK says cylinder type depends on the machine; Drinkmate OmniFizz uses threaded 60 L cylinders and is not compatible with Quick Connect cylinders. Aarke Carbonator 3 uses compatible standard screw-in 400–425 g/60 L cylinders. Check the connection specified for your exact model.
Can I use a glass bottle with Aarke Carbonator 3?
No. Aarke says its glass bottle is for Carbonator Pro and must not be used with Carbonator 3, which lacks a protective chamber for glass-bottle carbonation. Use a bottle approved for Carbonator 3 instead.