Water-first lemonade drinkers
If you plan to carbonate plain water and add lemonade syrup or cordial afterwards, a water-only machine follows the sequence described by SodaStream for its Terra and by ProCook for its sparkling water maker.
Who this suits
Regular sparkling-water households
If you will make fizzy water often, check the bottle’s usable fill line, the exact cylinder fitting and how you would obtain a replacement or spare cylinder.
Multi-drink experimenters
If you also want to carbonate drinks such as juice, tea, wine or cocktails, look for a model expressly designed for beverages beyond water. Drinkmate and Sage describe that capability for the OmniFizz and InFizz Fusion respectively.
What to check before buying
Decide whether you will carbonate water only or other drinks too, then check the cylinder fitting and the amount you can make in one bottle.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Water-first workflow | Check the maker’s instructions for carbonating plain water and adding flavour afterwards; do not assume it accepts pre-mixed lemonade. | If I only want sparkling water with syrup added afterwards, I need a machine designed for that sequence. Around 42% of consumers put this water-first workflow first. |
| CO₂ replacement | Confirm the exact cylinder fitting, whether a cylinder comes with the machine and how you would replace it. | When I make fizzy water regularly, an easy route to the right cylinder matters more to me than extra drink options. For around 33% of consumers, CO₂ replacement is the primary concern. |
| Everyday handling | Compare the bottle’s marked fill line with your usual servings, and check cleaning and placement requirements. | If I want enough for my afternoon glasses without an awkward routine, usable bottle capacity and handling come first. This is the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
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Putting syrup into a water-only machine before carbonating
SodaStream instructs Terra users to carbonate water before adding flavour syrup, while Aarke specifies fresh, clean water for the Carbonator 3 bottle. An appliance intended for water alone should not be treated as an any-drink carbonator.
Follow the instructions for your model: carbonate water to its marked fill line, release the bottle as directed and add lemonade syrup afterwards.
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Assuming CO₂ cylinders are interchangeable
SodaStream says its machines use a model-specific Quick Connect or classic screw-in cylinder. Drinkmate says the OmniFizz takes threaded cylinders and does not accept Quick Connect cylinders.
Check the exact machine model and fitting before choosing a cylinder, including any spare you intend to keep.
An incompatible spare cylinder will not keep the machine ready for the next batch.
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Using headline bottle size as the serving size
The marked fill line determines how much water you can carbonate in one batch; it may be lower than the bottle’s nominal capacity.
Compare the fill-line volume with the number of glasses you normally prepare, and check that any additional bottle is compatible with your model.
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Leaving a CO₂ cylinder near heat
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service advises cool, dry, well-ventilated storage for gas containers, away from direct sunlight, radiators and open fires.
Follow the appliance and cylinder supplier’s handling instructions, and keep the cylinder away from heat.
Relevant brands to consider
SodaStream
Its Terra is a water-first option for adding flavour syrup after carbonation.
- SodaStream describes a cylinder exchange service for its machines.
- SodaStream says cylinder fittings vary by model between Quick Connect and classic screw-in; check the fitting before buying a spare.
Drinkmate
Its OmniFizz is an option for households that want to carbonate drinks beyond plain water.
- Drinkmate says OmniFizz can carbonate beverages including juice, wine and cocktails.
- It uses threaded CO₂ cylinders and is not compatible with Quick Connect cylinders; its broader drink capability is unnecessary if you only carbonate water before adding syrup.
Aarke
Its Carbonator 3 offers a stainless-steel body and a water-first PET-bottle workflow.
- Aarke specifies standard 400–425g/60L cylinders for this model.
- Aarke instructs users to carbonate fresh, clean water only in its PET bottle and not to use a glass bottle in the Carbonator 3.
Smeg
Its soda maker offers manual carbonation adjustment without requiring electricity.
- Smeg lists a dishwasher-safe Tritan Renew bottle and standard screw-in-cylinder compatibility.
- Smeg advises using chilled water at 4–8°C; its indicative cylinder yield falls as higher carbonation is selected.
Sage
Its InFizz Fusion is an any-drink option for households that expect to use more than water.
- Sage says its FusionCap controls CO₂ release when carbonating drinks such as juice, tea, cocktails and wine.
- That extra capability is not needed for carbonating plain water and adding lemonade syrup afterwards.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Should I add lemonade syrup before carbonating?
Not in a water-only model unless its instructions expressly allow it. SodaStream tells Terra users to carbonate water first and add flavour syrup afterwards, while Aarke specifies fresh, clean water for the Carbonator 3 bottle.
Will any CO₂ cylinder fit my soda maker?
No: match the cylinder to the exact machine model. SodaStream says its machines use either Quick Connect or classic screw-in cylinders depending on the model, and Drinkmate says Quick Connect cylinders do not fit the OmniFizz.
Should the water be chilled?
For Smeg’s soda maker, Smeg advises using water chilled to 4–8°C and filling to the marked line. Check the instructions for another model rather than applying Smeg’s temperature guidance to every machine.
What will I need to replace during regular use?
You will need access to a compatible CO₂ refill or exchange cylinder as gas runs out. Before buying, check the machine’s fitting and your replacement options; a compatible spare cylinder may be useful if you make sparkling water frequently.