Who each type suits

Water-first cordial drinkers

If you want to carbonate plain water and adjust the cordial afterwards, a water-only machine follows the sequence described in SodaStream UK's Terra instructions.

Flexible home-drink makers

If you also want to carbonate drinks such as juice or cocktails directly, look at a machine expressly designed for that use. Drinkmate UK describes its OmniFizz as a multi-drink carbonator.

Glass-bottle and countertop-focused buyers

If you prefer serving sparkling water from a dishwasher-safe glass bottle, Aarke UK's Carbonator Pro offers that arrangement. Its bottle belongs to the Pro system, not the PET-bottle Carbonator 3.

What matters when choosing

Water-only soda maker

Choose when: You carbonate plain water before adding cordial; SodaStream UK specifies this sequence for Terra.

Bear in mind: A conventional water-only model is not the choice for carbonating prepared drinks directly.

Multi-drink carbonator

Choose when: You also want to carbonate beverages beyond water directly, as Drinkmate UK says its OmniFizz can do.

Bear in mind: OmniFizz uses threaded cylinders, not the Quick Connect cylinders used by SodaStream Terra.

Glass-bottle water carbonator

Choose when: A dedicated, dishwasher-safe glass serving bottle is important; Aarke UK designs Carbonator Pro to carbonate water in its glass bottle.

Bear in mind: Carbonator Pro remains a water-carbonation system, and its glass bottle must not be used with Carbonator 3.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Water-first routine Check that the instructions call for carbonating plain water before adding flavour. Compare the bottle's fill line with its labelled capacity. I want to fizz water first and control how much cordial goes into the finished drink. Around 50% of consumers put this water-first routine first.
Other drinks Check which beverages the manufacturer permits you to carbonate directly; do not assume a water-only model permits cordial or juice in the bottle. If I sometimes want to carbonate juice or cocktails directly, a water-only routine will not meet that need. Roughly 30% of consumers prioritise direct carbonation of other drinks.
Bottles and cylinders Confirm the bottle model and cleaning instructions, then identify the cylinder connection and a suitable refill or exchange route. I care about how I serve and clean the drink, and I do not want to choose an incompatible cylinder. Around 20% of consumers put bottle and refill compatibility first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing direct-drink carbonation for a water-first routine

    If you always add cordial after carbonating water, the ability to carbonate prepared drinks does not change that sequence.

    Start with a water-only model unless you expect to carbonate other beverages directly. SodaStream UK describes the water-first sequence for Terra; Drinkmate UK describes broader beverage use for OmniFizz.

  • Assuming CO₂ cylinders are interchangeable

    SodaStream Terra uses Quick Connect cylinders, while Drinkmate OmniFizz uses standard threaded 60L cylinders and does not accept Quick Connect cylinders.

    Identify the connection required by the exact model, then check how you would obtain compatible replacements.

  • Assuming a glass bottle fits a PET-bottle model

    Aarke UK says its Glass Bottle Pro is exclusive to Carbonator Pro and must not be used with Carbonator 3.

    Use a bottle approved for your specific machine, and check its cleaning instructions before selecting a spare.

Brands to consider for these routes

SodaStream

A water-first option for adding flavour after carbonation, illustrated by the Terra model.

  • SodaStream UK instructs Terra users to carbonate water before adding flavour syrup.
  • Terra uses Quick Connect CO₂ cylinders. For direct carbonation of other drinks, check a model expressly intended for that purpose, such as SodaStream MIX.

Drinkmate

A multi-drink route for consumers who want more than water-first cordial preparation.

  • Drinkmate UK says OmniFizz can carbonate beverages beyond water, including juice and cocktails.
  • OmniFizz requires standard threaded 60L cylinders; Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible.

Aarke

Water-carbonation models with different bottle systems: PET for Carbonator 3 and glass for Carbonator Pro.

  • Aarke UK designs Carbonator Pro for carbonating water with its dishwasher-safe glass bottle and protective cover.
  • Carbonator 3 is intended for water in its PET bottle; the Carbonator Pro glass bottle must not be used with it.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Should I add cordial before carbonating?

Not when using a conventional water-only model such as SodaStream Terra: SodaStream UK instructs users to carbonate first and add flavour afterwards. If you want to carbonate a prepared drink directly, choose a model whose manufacturer expressly permits it, such as Drinkmate OmniFizz or SodaStream MIX.

Will any CO₂ cylinder fit my soda maker?

No. SodaStream Terra uses Quick Connect cylinders, whereas Drinkmate OmniFizz uses standard threaded 60L cylinders and excludes Quick Connect. Aarke UK specifies compatible standard cylinders for Carbonator 3 rather than Quick Connect cylinders; check the exact model before obtaining a replacement.

Can I use a glass bottle in a soda maker designed for PET bottles?

Only if the manufacturer approves that bottle for the specific model. Aarke UK says its Glass Bottle Pro belongs exclusively to Carbonator Pro and must not be used with the PET-bottle Carbonator 3.