Who is this for?

Water-first mocktail makers

You carbonate drinking water, then add it to cordial, juice, citrus or other still ingredients. SodaStream UK describes this carbonate-first, flavour-afterwards method for TERRA.

Direct-carbonation experimenters

You want the option to carbonate a drink other than water in the machine. SodaStream UK describes MIX and Drinkmate UK describes OmniFizz as routes for this use; follow the instructions for the exact model and liquid.

Frequent hosts managing refills

You make several drinks regularly, so the cylinder connection, access to exchanges and number of usable bottles matter alongside the machine itself.

What matters when choosing

Decide whether you will carbonate only water or put other drinks in the bottle. Then check the cylinder and bottle arrangements for the model you choose.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Water-first mixing Check the exact model's permitted liquids and whether flavouring must be added after carbonation. I add cordial or citrus after carbonating water, so I need a machine for that sequence; around 42% of consumers put water-first mixing first.
Direct carbonation Confirm that the model permits the drink you intend to carbonate, and follow its filling and release instructions. If I want fizz in juice or a prepared mocktail itself, I need a machine designed for those drinks; around 33% of consumers prioritise direct carbonation.
Cylinders and refills Match the cylinder connection to the machine and check what the bundle includes and how empty-cylinder exchanges work. When I prepare drinks regularly, I need a cylinder system I can replenish without interrupting plans; around 25% of consumers put refill management first.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming every soda maker can carbonate a mixed drink

    Permitted liquids differ by model. SodaStream UK tells TERRA users to carbonate first and add flavour afterwards, while Drinkmate UK describes OmniFizz as a machine for drinks beyond water.

    If you want to carbonate juice or a prepared mocktail directly, check that the exact model's instructions permit it.

  • Choosing a cylinder by capacity alone

    Cylinders described as 60L are not necessarily interchangeable: SodaStream TERRA uses Quick Connect, while Drinkmate OmniFizz uses standard threaded cylinders and excludes Quick Connect.

    Match the connection to your machine before choosing a spare cylinder or exchange arrangement.

  • Substituting a glass bottle in an unchambered machine

    Aarke says Carbonator 3 has no protective carbonation chamber and must not be used with a glass bottle.

    Use a bottle approved for the exact carbonator; for Carbonator 3, follow Aarke's PET-bottle instructions.

Brands to consider

SodaStream

SodaStream UK describes both water-first and direct-drink models for different mocktail-making methods.

  • TERRA is a water-first option: carbonate water, then add flavour. It uses Quick Connect cylinders.
  • MIX is described as suitable for carbonating drinks beyond water; do not assume its liquid instructions apply to TERRA or other models.

Drinkmate

Drinkmate UK describes OmniFizz as an option for carbonating water and other drinks directly.

  • The listed OmniFizz cylinder bundle includes a 1-litre reusable bottle and Fizz Infuser.
  • OmniFizz uses standard threaded 60L cylinders, not Quick Connect cylinders. Follow Drinkmate's filling, release and cleaning instructions for the drink used.

Aarke

Aarke Carbonator 3 is a manual, stainless-steel option for carbonating water before mixing mocktails.

  • Aarke specifies a PET bottle and standard 400–425g/60L cylinder compatibility.
  • Aarke instructs users to carbonate fresh, clean water only and never to use a glass bottle in Carbonator 3.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Questions about soda makers

Should I carbonate water before adding mocktail ingredients?

Yes, if you use a water-first maker such as SodaStream TERRA. SodaStream UK instructs TERRA users to carbonate water first and add flavour afterwards; mix the sparkling water with your other ingredients once carbonation is complete.

Can every soda maker carbonate juice or a ready-mixed mocktail?

No. Drinkmate UK describes OmniFizz and SodaStream UK describes MIX as machines that can carbonate drinks beyond water, while Aarke specifies fresh, clean water only for Carbonator 3. Check the instructions for the exact model and drink before filling its bottle.

Can I use any CO2 cylinder with my soda maker?

No; the connection must match the machine. SodaStream TERRA uses Quick Connect, Drinkmate OmniFizz uses standard threaded 60L cylinders and excludes Quick Connect, and Aarke specifies standard 400–425g/60L cylinders for Carbonator 3.

Can I use a glass bottle with Aarke Carbonator 3?

No. Aarke says Carbonator 3 has no protective carbonation chamber and must never be used with a glass bottle; use a bottle approved for that model instead.