Water-first cordial drinkers
If you normally fizz drinking water and add cordial afterwards, a water-only machine follows the method in SodaStream UK's drink-mix instructions. Use the bottle and cylinder specified for the model you choose.
Who is this for?
Regular users planning refills
If sparkling water is part of your usual afternoon break, check how you will exchange or replace the correct CO2 cylinder. SodaStream UK notes that cylinder type depends on the machine model and that usage varies with the level of fizz.
Drinkers who want to try other liquids
If you may want to carbonate juice, cocktails or a mixed drink later, look for a model explicitly intended for liquids beyond water. Drinkmate says OmniFizz offers that option, as does SodaStream for its distinct MIX range.
What matters when choosing?
Decide whether you will fizz water only or also want to fizz other drinks. Then check the bottle and CO2 system for the exact machine, rather than assuming accessories are interchangeable.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Water-first preparation | Check which liquids the model permits and use its specified bottle and fill line. | If I want a quick cordial drink, I need to know I can fizz the water first and add flavour afterwards without treating a water-only machine as an any-drink model. Around 56% of consumers put this preparation method first. |
| CO2 refills | Match the cylinder connection to the machine and check the supplier's exchange or return arrangements. | When I make sparkling water regularly, I do not want an empty cylinder or an incompatible replacement to interrupt the routine. Keeping refills workable is the primary concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Other drinks | Confirm that the exact model is intended to carbonate each type of liquid you plan to use. | If I might fizz juice or a pre-mixed drink, water-only operation would not cover what I want to do. That wider choice comes first for around 11% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Adding cordial before fizzing in a water-only machine
That is different from the water-first method in SodaStream UK's drink-mix instructions and may put a water-only appliance outside its intended use.
Carbonate plain water before adding cordial. Fizz a mixed drink only if the exact model's instructions permit it.
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Assuming all CO2 cylinders fit
SodaStream machines use model-specific Quick Connect or screw-in cylinders. Aarke says Carbonator 3 does not accept Quick Connect cylinders, and Drinkmate states the same for OmniFizz.
Identify the machine's connection type before choosing a starter kit, spare cylinder or exchange.
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Overlooking the refill routine
An empty cylinder interrupts carbonation, and SodaStream UK says the output of its 60 L cylinders varies with the fizz level used.
Check the applicable exchange and return arrangements, including whether a spare cylinder would suit how often you use the machine.
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Putting an empty cylinder in household recycling
Supplier return arrangements and local collection rules matter for pressurised cylinders. Norfolk County Council, for example, does not accept CO2 cylinders at its facilities and advises returning them to the branded supplier.
Use an available supplier exchange or return route, or check your local council's current guidance before disposal.
Brands to consider for this routine
SodaStream
SodaStream UK describes a water-first method for its drink mix and offers model-specific CO2 cylinder and exchange arrangements.
- Its UK instructions say to carbonate water before adding drink mix.
- Check whether your chosen machine takes Quick Connect or screw-in cylinders. The distinct MIX range is the one SodaStream says can carbonate drinks beyond water; do not assume that applies to every model.
Drinkmate
Drinkmate presents OmniFizz as an option for carbonating water and other drinks, which matters if your plans extend beyond adding cordial after fizzing.
- Drinkmate says its OmniFizz bundle includes a 1 L bottle, Fizz Infuser and 60 L CO2 cylinder. Good Housekeeping UK describes a pressure-release lid that accommodates liquids that may foam.
- OmniFizz uses standard threaded cylinders, not Quick Connect cylinders; broader drink capability is unnecessary for a water-then-cordial routine.
Aarke
Aarke Carbonator 3 is a manual water-carbonation option with a stainless-steel body and a standard screw-in-cylinder format.
- Aarke specifies 400–425 g/60 L standard screw-in cylinders for Carbonator 3.
- Aarke instructs users to carbonate fresh, clean water in its specified PET bottle; Carbonator 3 does not accept Quick Connect cylinders or glass bottles.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
Should I add cordial before or after carbonating water?
For a water-first soda maker, carbonate plain water and add cordial afterwards. That is the order in SodaStream UK's drink-mix instructions; also follow the instructions for your chosen machine and cordial.
Can every soda maker carbonate a mixed drink?
No: the ability to fizz water does not establish that a machine is intended for other liquids. Drinkmate says OmniFizz can carbonate drinks beyond water, and SodaStream makes that claim for MIX; check the exact model's permitted liquids before use.
Can I use the same CO2 cylinder in different soda makers?
Only if the cylinder format matches each machine. SodaStream UK says its models use either Quick Connect or screw-in cylinders; Aarke specifies standard 400–425 g/60 L screw-in cylinders for Carbonator 3, while Drinkmate says OmniFizz does not accept Quick Connect.
How long does a 60 L CO2 cylinder last?
Do not treat 60 L as a guaranteed yield for your routine. SodaStream UK says its 60 L cylinders make up to 60 litres of sparkling water on average and that replacement frequency depends on the carbonation level you use.
What should I do with an empty CO2 cylinder?
Use an available supplier exchange or return route, or check your local council's guidance before disposal. SodaStream's stated UK return options apply to cylinders bought directly from its site; Norfolk County Council says it does not accept CO2 cylinders and advises returning them to the branded supplier.