I love making my own fizzy drinks. It saves money, reduces waste, and lets me pick my ingredients. But choosing between Drinkmate and SodaStream wasn’t easy. Both brands offer great carbonation, but they work differently.
Drinkmate lets you carbonate juice, tea, and even wine. SodaStream, however, is made for water only. After testing both, I found some surprising differences. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience to help you choose the right one.
Table of Contents
Drinkmate Review
I love fizzy drinks, but I wanted a healthier choice. Store-bought sodas have too much sugar and artificial stuff. That’s when I found Drinkmate. Unlike others, it lets you add fizz to more than just water. You can carbonate juice, wine, or even flat soda. That caught my attention, so I had to try it.
What I Like
- Works with More Than Water: Most soda makers only work with water. Drinkmate lets you carbonate juice, wine, and even leftover soda. I love saving drinks instead of tossing them.
- Easy and Mess-Free: The fizz infuser prevents overflow, so there’s no mess. I worried about spills, but it worked smoothly without leaks.
- No Electricity Needed: Drinkmate doesn’t need to be plugged in. It’s great for small kitchens, outdoor use, or travel.
What Could Be Better
- CO₂ Cylinder Compatibility: Drinkmate uses its own CO₂ cylinders. They are easy to swap but not as common as SodaStream’s. Refills need extra planning.
- Learning Curve for Non-Water Drinks: Carbonating anything is a plus, but some drinks foam more. It took me a few tries to get the right fizz.
- CO₂ Cylinder Cost: Drinkmate is affordable, but its CO₂ cylinders add to costs. The exchange program helps, but it’s something to think about.
Recommendation
- Who It’s For: If you love customizing drinks, reducing waste, and controlling fizz, Drinkmate is great. It’s perfect for home bartenders, soda lovers, and health-conscious people.
- Who Should Look Elsewhere: If you only carbonate water and want easy CO₂ refills, a SodaStream might be better. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, CO₂ costs matter.
- Pro Tips: To prevent too much foam, chill drinks before carbonating. Press the release button gently to control fizz. In the U.S., Drinkmate offers CO₂ cylinder exchanges at major stores, making refills easier.
Drinkmate lets you carbonate more than water, making it a fun and flexible choice for home use. There’s a small learning curve, but the customization is worth it.
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SodaStream Review
I’ve always loved fizzy drinks, but I wanted a healthier and more eco-friendly option. That’s when I found SodaStream. This brand isn’t just about making sparkling water—it’s about control, convenience, and cutting down on waste. I had to try it for myself.
What I Like
- Easy to Use: SodaStream makes carbonation simple. With just a press of a button, I get sparkling water in seconds. No mess, no complicated setup—just instant fizz.
- Customizable Carbonation: Unlike store-bought soda, I control the fizz level. Whether I want a light sparkle or an intense fizz, I can adjust it to my liking.
- Reduces Plastic Waste: Using a SodaStream means fewer single-use plastic bottles. This is a big win for the environment and saves space in my recycling bin.
What Could Be Better
- CO₂ Cylinder Refills: Finding refills can take some effort. While major retailers in the U.S. offer exchanges, it’s not as widely available as I’d like.
- Flavor Options: SodaStream has flavors, but they don’t always match the taste of popular sodas. I’ve had to experiment with different syrups to find my favorites.
- Initial Cost: The machine itself isn’t cheap. While it saves money in the long run, the upfront cost might be a barrier for some.
Recommendation
- Who It’s For: If you love sparkling water, want to cut back on store-bought sodas, or reduce waste, SodaStream is a great choice.
- Who Should Consider Other Options: If you only drink soda and want an exact match to store-bought brands, this may not be for you. Also, if you don’t want to deal with CO₂ refills, a traditional option might be easier.
- Pro Tips: For the best experience, always use cold water before carbonating. If you’re in the U.S., check major retailers like Target and Walmart for easy CO₂ cylinder exchanges.
SodaStream offers an easy way to enjoy fizzy drinks at home. While there are some trade-offs, the control and convenience make it a solid choice for sparkling water fans.
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Drinkmate vs SodaStream: Which One Should You Choose?
Drinkmate and SodaStream are top brands for home carbonation. Both let you make sparkling drinks, but they work differently. Drinkmate carbonates any liquid, while SodaStream is for water only. Let’s compare them to see which one fits your needs.
Carbonation Method: Drinkmate vs SodaStream
Drinkmate works with juice, tea, and even wine. SodaStream is limited to water. If you want more options, Drinkmate wins here.
| Feature | Drinkmate | SodaStream |
| Carbonates Any Liquid? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Water Only) |
| CO₂ Compatibility | ✅ Any Brand | ❌ SodaStream Only |
| Carbonation Control | ✅ Adjustable | ⚠️ Limited |
Winner: Drinkmate—more flexibility.
Bottle Compatibility: Drinkmate vs SodaStream
Both use special bottles, but SodaStream offers more choices. Some are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning easier.
| Feature | Drinkmate | SodaStream |
| BPA-Free Bottles | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Dishwasher Safe | ⚠️ Some Models | ✅ Yes |
| Different Sizes | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ More Options |
Winner: SodaStream—more bottle options.
CO₂ Cylinder Availability: Drinkmate vs SodaStream
CO₂ cylinders are key for carbonation. Drinkmate works with many brands, while SodaStream locks you into their system.
| Feature | Drinkmate | SodaStream |
| Uses Any CO₂? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Exchange Program | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| CO₂ Availability | ✅ Easy to Find | ✅ Easy to Find |
Winner: Drinkmate—cheaper CO₂ options.
Ease of Use: Drinkmate vs SodaStream
Both are simple, but SodaStream needs fewer steps. If you want quick carbonation, it’s the better choice.
| Feature | Drinkmate | SodaStream |
| One-Touch Use | ⚠️ Extra Steps | ✅ Yes |
| Manual Effort | ✅ A Bit More | ⚠️ Less Effort |
| Easy to Clean | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Winner: SodaStream—easier setup.
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Performance: Drinkmate vs SodaStream
Both do a great job, but Drinkmate gives more control over fizz levels.
| Feature | Drinkmate | SodaStream |
| Carbonation Strength | ✅ Adjustable | ⚠️ Fixed |
| Works with Any Liquid | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Consistency | ✅ Great | ✅ Great |
Winner: Drinkmate—better control.
Value for Money: Drinkmate vs SodaStream
SodaStream costs less upfront, but Drinkmate saves money on CO₂ refills over time.
| Feature | Drinkmate | SodaStream |
| Initial Cost | ⚠️ A Bit Higher | ✅ More Affordable |
| CO₂ Cost | ✅ Lower | ❌ Higher |
| Long-Term Savings | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
Winner: Drinkmate—saves money over time.
Read More: Kitch Prep Appliances
Overall: Drinkmate vs SodaStream
Both brands are great. Pick SodaStream for simplicity. Choose Drinkmate if you want more options.
| Feature | Best Option |
| Best for Carbonating Any Drink | Drinkmate |
| Best for Ease of Use | SodaStream |
| Best for CO₂ Flexibility | Drinkmate |
| Best for Budget | SodaStream |
Final Winner: Drinkmate (for versatility) or SodaStream (for ease of use).
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FAQs: Drinkmate vs SodaStream
Can Drinkmate carbonate drinks other than water?
Yes! Drinkmate carbonates juice, tea, wine, and more. SodaStream is made for water only. Drinkmate’s system gives you more variety.
Is SodaStream easier to use than Drinkmate?
Both are simple. But SodaStream has a one-button design, making it easier. Drinkmate needs an extra step to release pressure when carbonating non-water drinks.
Which is more cost-effective: Drinkmate or SodaStream?
SodaStream costs less upfront. But Drinkmate gives you more options. If you want to carbonate more than water, Drinkmate may save you money long-term.
Do Drinkmate and SodaStream use the same CO2 cylinders?
Mostly, yes. Both use standard 60L CO2 cylinders. But SodaStream’s bottles may not fit all Drinkmate models.
Which one makes stronger carbonation, Drinkmate or SodaStream?
Both make strong fizz. But Drinkmate gives you more control. You can adjust fizziness for different drinks. SodaStream works best for water.