Who this is for

Water-first cordial drinkers

If you want to adjust cordial strength after making sparkling water, a water-only maker suits that sequence. Follow the maker’s instructions for where to mix in the cordial.

Self-catering cottage hosts

A cordless machine can be placed without relying on a nearby socket. For shared use, plan how guests will get a compatible replacement cylinder and explain the water-first preparation method.

Groups making other cold drinks

If guests want to carbonate drinks other than water, look at an any-drink model rather than assuming a conventional water-only maker can do so.

What matters when choosing

Decide whether anyone needs to carbonate drinks other than water. If not, focus on the cylinder connection, bottle and space available in the cottage kitchen.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Compatible CO₂ cylinders Check the machine’s connection type and whether a cylinder is supplied. Plan exchanges or delivery for the cottage’s location. I need a compatible spare ready between stays, rather than a cylinder that will not fit. Around 33% of consumers put cylinder access first.
Water-first preparation Check the maker’s instructions for carbonating plain water and adding cordial afterwards. If I only fizz water, I want to add cordial afterwards without choosing an any-drink function I will not use. For around 27% of consumers, that routine is the primary concern.
Cordless placement Check whether the model needs mains power, and measure worktop and overhead clearance. In a small cottage kitchen, I need somewhere practical to position the machine without relying on a socket. Around 20% of consumers prioritise placement.
Bottle care Check the supplied bottle’s capacity, cleaning instructions and compatibility with the exact machine. When guests share a bottle, I want its material and cleaning method to suit changeovers. Bottle care comes first for around 20% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming every 60L cylinder fits

    SodaStream Terra uses Quick Connect cylinders, while Drinkmate says OmniFizz takes threaded cylinders and does not accept Quick Connect. The capacity label alone does not establish compatibility.

    Match spare cylinders to the exact machine and label any spare kept for guests.

    An incompatible spare may mean an extra exchange trip.

  • Fizzing cordial in a water-only maker

    For the water-only models discussed here, cordial belongs after carbonation. Aarke warns that carbonating liquids other than water can damage Carbonator Pro mechanisms.

    Carbonate plain drinking water first, then mix in cordial where the maker’s instructions permit or in a separate glass or jug.

  • Putting glass in a PET-bottle machine

    Aarke says a glass bottle must not be used in Carbonator 3, which lacks the protective chamber required for glass during carbonation.

    Use the bottle specified for the exact machine. If glass is essential, consider a model designed to enclose its glass bottle during carbonation.

  • Leaving a cylinder near heat

    Pressurised cylinders need careful storage and handling. Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service advises keeping them away from direct sunlight, radiators and open fires.

    Follow the cylinder supplier’s instructions and keep the cylinder in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, including when planning transport to the cottage.

Brands to consider for this routine

SodaStream

SodaStream Terra is a water-only route for making sparkling water before adding cordial or syrup.

  • SodaStream UK lists push-button operation, a cordless design and cylinder exchanges at more than 2,800 UK locations for Terra.
  • Terra uses Quick Connect cylinders; do not assume an existing threaded cylinder will fit.

Aarke

Aarke offers water-only Carbonator 3 with a PET bottle and Carbonator Pro with a protected glass bottle.

  • Aarke UK states that Carbonator 3 needs no electricity and accepts standard threaded 400–425g/60L cylinders. Carbonator Pro has a dishwasher-safe glass bottle.
  • Do not substitute a glass bottle into Carbonator 3. Carbonator Pro is also designed to carbonate water only.

Drinkmate

Drinkmate OmniFizz is an option for groups that may want to carbonate cold drinks other than water.

  • Drinkmate UK says OmniFizz can carbonate cold drinks including water and juice; it operates without mains power.
  • OmniFizz uses standard threaded 60L cylinders, not Quick Connect cylinders. Its broader drink capability is unnecessary for a strictly water-first cordial routine.

Joybuy products for this routine

Related products coming soon.

Questions about cottage soda makers

Should I add cordial before or after carbonating?

Add cordial after carbonating plain water when using a water-only maker. SodaStream’s flavour guidance follows this sequence, while Aarke says Carbonator Pro should carbonate pure water only and be flavoured afterwards.

Will any 60L CO₂ cylinder fit?

No: the connection must match the machine. SodaStream Terra uses Quick Connect, while Aarke Carbonator 3 and Drinkmate OmniFizz use standard threaded cylinders; Drinkmate explicitly excludes Quick Connect cylinders from OmniFizz.

Can I use a glass bottle in Aarke Carbonator 3?

No. Aarke says Carbonator 3 lacks the protective chamber needed for glass under pressure. Carbonator Pro is the Aarke model discussed here for use with its protected glass bottle.

Can I leave a CO₂ cylinder in a hot car on the way to the cottage?

Do not leave a pressurised cylinder in a hot vehicle. Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service advises cool, dry, well-ventilated storage away from direct sunlight and heat sources; follow the cylinder supplier’s transport instructions too.