Dave Wheeler
A sparkling water maker is rarely thought of as a kitchen necessity, but there’s a case to be made for these convenient machines. Staying hydrated is important and sometimes still water just can’t quench your thirst. There’s something about a cold, fizzy glass of sparkling water that is undeniably refreshing and cooling. You could buy bottle after bottle of the carbonated drink at your local supermarket or you could help out your wallet – and decrease your household waste – by investing in a sparkling water maker. With so many budget friendly options on the market, plus a compact design available in a range of colours, a sparkling water maker should be a serious consideration for anyone who loves this bubbly drink.
How do sparkling water makers work?
Most sparkling water makers have two main components: a freestanding cylindrical machine that sits on benchtops and a bottle that attaches to the machine. Some sparkling water makers need to be plugged in to power outlets, while others are cordless. It might seem like magic that takes still water and turns it into a sparkling delight, but it’s simple science. Once the bottle of water is attached to the machine, a carbon dioxide cylinder releases gas into the liquid, leading to carbonation (in other words, creating bubbles). As long as you keep the cap on securely, your drink should remain fizzy for up to two weeks.
How much does a sparkling water maker cost?
Depending on the style you purchase, a sparkling water maker can set you back as little as $50 or up to $499, according to Choice. The gas cylinder usually costs around $35, but most companies, such as SodaStream, offer exchange programs. This means that if you return your old cylinder, you can get a new one for $20 instead of the usual retail price. If you want to add flavoured syrups to your sparkling water, this will of course increase the cost.
Our picks of the best sparkling water maker
01
Aarke Carbonator 3 in Copper
$299, Hard To Find
Best for: Colour options
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is a versatile sparkling water maker, designed to suit any kitchen with colour options in glossy and matte shades. The appliance is also very slim, making it suitable for kitchens of all sizes (especially those with little bench or cupboard space). We love the Copper option for the little touch of luxe and warmth it can bring to your room.
Sizes: 41.4cm (H) x 15.3 cm (W) x 25.8cm (D)
Colours: Matte Grey, Steel, Copper, Gold, Matte White, Sand and Matte Black
Materials: Stainless steel, premium PET non-toxic plastic
Key features:
- Slim and compact design
- Available in seven colours
- Compatible with standard Australian and New Zealand CO2 cylinders
- Carbonates up to 60L of water per gas cylinder
- 800mL bottle included
- Gas cylinder is not included
02
Breville InFizz Fusion in Brushed Stainless Steel
$299, Breville
Best for: Carbonating a wide range of drinks, not just water.
Why stop at carbonating water? Thanks to Breville’s InFizz Fusion, there’s no limit on the bubbles you can create in liquids. From juice to tea, cocktails to wine and even soft drinks that have gone flat, this sparkling water maker does it all. It also comes with a two-year warranty for ease of mind.
Sizes: 43cm (H) x 15cm (W) x 26cm (D)
Colours: Brushed Stainless Steel, Black Truffle and Sea Salt
Materials: Stainless steel, BPA-free bottles
Key features:
- Stainless steel cap and base
- Magnetic stainless steel to keep the drip tray in place
- Die-cast lever
- Easy twist and lock system with an ergonomic ring pull
- 1L bottle included
- Availabe in three colours
03
SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker in Black
$169, Myer
Best for: Fast and easy cylinder insertion.
This SodaStream sparkling water maker has a sleek and classic design with a lever that evokes retro charm. Available in black and white, each with a stainless steel trim, this appliance is versatile and looks at home in any kitchen. It’s also cordless, which makes it all the more convenient.
Sizes: 18.4cm (W) x 29.7cm (D) x 44.4cm (H)
Colours: Black and White
Materials: Stainless steel trim and BPA-free carbonation bottle
Key features:
- Slim retro design
- Quick connect technology for easy cylinder insertion
- Cordless
- Dishwasher safe bottle
- BPA-free carbonation bottles
04
Philips GoZero Soda and Sparkling Water Maker in Black
$109, Myer
Best for: Built-in safety relief valve.
Ease and convenience is what the Philips GoZero Sparkling Water Maker is all about. It doesn’t need electricity to work, meaning you don’t need to place it near an outlet and it functions in three easy steps: fill the bottle, twist it in place and press the button! It also comes with a safety guarantee, thanks to the built-in safety relief valve which automatically releases the pressure inside the bottle.
Sizes: 24cm (D) x 12.5cm (W) x 42.4cm (H)
Colours: Black and White
Materials: Stainless steel, plastic and BPA-free PET bottle
Key features:
- Safety guarantee
- Cordless
- 2-year warranty
- Stainless steel drip tray
- Compact design
05
Aarke Carbonator Pro in Steel
$499, Hard To Find
Best for: Stainless steel design.
If you want to avoid black in your kitchen appliances, this is the perfect sparkling water maker for you. The Aarke carbonator pro in Steel gives a modern stainless steel appeal to your room. Also available in Sand, a matte neutral beige shade, this design is compact and comes with a glass bottle. Simply push the bottle inside the sparkling water maker to lock it in place.
Sizes: 50.2cm (H) x 17.3cm (W) x 29.6cm (D)
Colours: Steel, Sand and Matte Black
Materials: Stainless steel and glass
Key features:
- Glass bottle
- Dishwasher safe
- Cordless
- Unique push-to-lock feature
- Carbonates up to 60L of water per gas cylinder
- Compatible with standard Australian and New Zealand CO2 cylinders
06
SodaStream Duo Sparkling Water Machine in Metallic Black
$299, Myer
Best for: Dual bottles for indoor and outdoor use
The SodaStream duo is designed to suit Aussie lifestyles, which effortlessly blend the interior and exterior zones. The sparkling water maker comes with a 1L glass bottle (intended for indoor use) and a 1L plastic bottle (intended for outdoor use and on-the-go convenience). The compact design can fit in any kitchen cupboard, while the aesthetic is intended to suit any interior style. It even features a stainless steel flask into which the bottles are placed.
Sizes: 44cm (H) x 15.8cm (W) x 31cm (D)
Colours: Metallic Black
Materials: Stainless steel, glass and plastic bottles
Key features:
- Dishwasher safe
- 1L glass bottle and 1L plastic bottle
- Cordless
- Dual carbonation system
- Quick Connect technology
- Stainless steel flask
07
SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker in Misty Blue
$149 (usually $179), Minimax
Best for: Beautiful bright blue hue.
If you like to collect kitchen appliances that are as stylish as they are functional, the SodaStream art sparkling water maker in Misty Blue is absolutely perfect for you. This machine has all the convenience of Quick Connect technology, sleek design and cordless power, but it’s also a delight to look at thanks to the powder blue shade it is made in. The retro-inspired lever adds even more charm.
Sizes: 43.1cm (H) x 16.9cm (W) x 24.5cm (D)
Colours: Misty Blue
Materials: Stainless steel trim and BPA-free carbonation bottle
Key features:
- Blue colour
- Cordless
- Retro-inspired design
- Quick Connect technology
- Dishwasher safe bottle
- BPA-free bottle
08
Philips Micro X-Clean Filtration Sparkling Water Station
$699, Myer
Best for: Dual function.
Why buy a sparkling water maker that only creates sparkling water when you can buy one with a dual function that provides you with hot water as well? The Philips Micro X-Clean Filtration Sparkling Water Station serves so many functions in one. It creates lovely, bubbly sparkling water with a cordless carbonating process, while also cooling and filtering water. Best of all, it even has instant heating technology so you can enjoy a hot beverage, all in the one machine.
Sizes: 44.8cm (D) x 20cm (W) x 40.8cm (H)
Colours: Black
Key features:
- Ultra silent technology
- Instant heating
- Dual function
- Reduces chlorine, limescale, heavy metals and microplastics
- Cordless
- 2 year warranty
- Temperature settings
