Who each approach suits

Water-first lemonade drinkers

If you want to fizz plain water and adjust the sweetness by adding syrup afterwards, a water-focused maker follows the method SodaStream UK describes for its conventional machines.

Flexible homemade-drink makers

If you may also want to carbonate prepared lemonade, juice or other drinks, look at the permitted liquids for the exact model. Drinkmate UK, SodaStream UK and Sage Appliances each describe a beverage-carbonating option, rather than making that claim for every machine they sell.

Low-fuss regular fizz users

If choosing a repeatable fizz level matters in daily use, SodaStream UK lists three preset carbonation levels for E-TERRA. Check its bottle and cylinder system alongside the controls before choosing it.

What matters when choosing

Decide whether syrup will always go in after carbonation. Then compare the controls and the bottle and CO2 cylinder system for the machine you would use regularly.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
What goes in the bottle Check whether the maker is intended for plain water only or expressly permits prepared drinks. For water-focused SodaStream makers, add flavour after fizzing. If I add syrup only after fizzing, I want a maker intended for plain water rather than one chosen for mixed drinks. Around 50% of consumers put this water-first workflow first.
Everyday controls Compare manual controls with presets. SodaStream UK lists light, medium and bold preset levels for E-TERRA; also check the bottle-loading method for your chosen model. When I make sparkling water regularly, I want to select a familiar fizz level without fuss. Roughly 30% of consumers prioritise that day-to-day consistency.
Cylinder and bottle fit Confirm the exact cylinder connection, bottle format and what comes with the chosen bundle. Drinkmate UK specifies standard threaded 60L cylinders for OmniFizz, not Quick Connect cylinders. If I already have a cylinder or plan to keep a spare, I need to know it fits the machine I choose. About 20% of consumers put system compatibility first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming every soda maker can fizz prepared lemonade

    SodaStream UK distinguishes its conventional water-focused makers from MIX, which it describes as suitable for a wider range of drinks. A machine that suits water before syrup is not automatically suitable for carbonating the mixture.

    Decide whether you will ever want to fizz the prepared drink. If so, check the exact model’s permitted liquids and instructions before buying.

  • Overlooking the CO2 connection

    Drinkmate UK says OmniFizz takes standard threaded 60L CO2 cylinders and does not accept Quick Connect cylinders. An existing cylinder may therefore not fit a different machine.

    Check the cylinder connection for the exact model, whether your chosen bundle includes a cylinder and how you will obtain replacements.

  • Ignoring fill and pressure-release directions

    Direct carbonation of prepared lemonade needs the procedure specified for that machine. Drinkmate UK’s lemonade recipe calls for a slow release, while SodaStream UK describes MIX’s controlled bottle-release dial as a way to limit foam.

    Use the designated bottle, follow its fill line and release pressure as the manufacturer directs for the drink you are making.

Relevant brands to consider

The useful distinction is between each brand’s water-focused and beverage-carbonating models, not the brand name alone.

SodaStream

SodaStream UK describes a water-then-flavour routine for its conventional makers and positions MIX for carbonating drinks beyond water.

  • E-TERRA offers three preset carbonation levels for a water-first routine, according to SodaStream UK.
  • Do not assume the broader drink capability of MIX applies to a water-focused SodaStream model.

Drinkmate

Drinkmate UK positions OmniFizz for carbonating water as well as prepared drinks and provides a method for homemade cloudy lemonade.

  • OmniFizz offers a direct-lemonade option if adding syrup after fizzing is not your only planned use.
  • Drinkmate UK specifies standard threaded 60L CO2 cylinders; Quick Connect cylinders do not fit OmniFizz.

Sage

Sage Appliances describes InFizz Fusion as a maker for drinks beyond plain water, including juice and tea.

  • Sage Appliances says its FusionCap provides control over CO2 release when using InFizz Fusion.
  • Check the model’s instructions for the drink you intend to carbonate; its broader capability is unnecessary if you will only fizz water before adding syrup.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Can I add lemonade syrup before carbonating in a conventional SodaStream maker?

For SodaStream’s water-focused makers, carbonate plain water and add the syrup afterwards. SodaStream UK distinguishes that method from SodaStream MIX, which it describes as suitable for a wider range of drinks.

Can I carbonate homemade lemonade directly?

Yes, if you use a model whose manufacturer permits prepared drinks and follow its instructions. Drinkmate UK’s OmniFizz lemonade recipe calls for cold ingredients and a slow pressure release; SodaStream UK and Sage Appliances also describe broader drink capability for MIX and InFizz Fusion respectively.

Do SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders fit Drinkmate OmniFizz?

No. Drinkmate UK specifies standard threaded 60L CO2 cylinders for OmniFizz and says Quick Connect cylinders are incompatible.

How much sparkling water can a SodaStream 60L cylinder make?

SodaStream UK says its 60L cylinders typically make up to 60 litres of sparkling water. How long one lasts depends on how often you carbonate and how fizzy you make each drink.