Are soda machines worth it? Exploring benefits

If you’re a fan of fizzy drinks, you’ve likely wondered: are soda machines worth it? With at-home carbonation becoming increasingly popular, more people are exploring whether investing in a soda machine is a smart move.

In this guide, we’ll consider the pros, costs, environmental impact, and customization options, helping you decide if adding a countertop carbonator to your kitchen is the right choice.

What is a soda machine and how does it work?

A soda machine, sometimes called a sparkling water maker or soda fountain machine, lets you turn tap water into carbonated water by injecting carbon dioxide gas (CO₂). Most soda machines use a CO₂ canister to create those satisfying bubbles. Some models even let you carbonate drinks other than water, like fruit juice or soft drinks, and offer optional flavor syrups for homemade soda.

By using reusable bottles, soda machines provide an on-demand supply of carbonated beverages without the need to rely on store-bought soda or bottled water.

Benefits of owning a soda machine

The advantages of owning a soda maker go beyond just convenience. Here’s what you can expect:

● Cost savings: While the upfront cost may seem high, regular users of sparkling water or soda can reduce expenses over time by replacing store-bought cans and bottles with homemade fizzy drinks.

● Convenience: Having a soda machine on your countertop means you can enjoy fresh carbonated water or flavored beverages anytime, without a trip to the grocery store.

● Customization: Whether you prefer light fizz or bold bubbles, a soda machine allows you to control the carbonation level. You can also experiment with flavors, creating energy drinks, flavored sodas, or syrup-based beverages with your favorite ingredients.

● Environmental impact: Soda machines help reduce plastic bottle waste and limit single-use packaging, promoting sustainable beverage consumption

Costs of using a soda machine

While owning a soda machine can be convenient, it’s important to consider both the initial and ongoing costs when deciding if a soda machine is the right fit for you.

Upfront costs: Machine and accessories

Upfront costs will vary depending on the soda machine you choose. Basic models are more affordable, while higher-end machines with features like touch controls or premium designs tend to be more expensive. In addition to the machine, you’ll need CO₂ canisters, reusable bottles (available in glass or plastic), and optional flavor syrups to make the most of your setup.

Ongoing costs: CO2 refills and flavor syrups

Ongoing costs primarily involve CO₂ cartridge refills and replacement cylinders. A standard CO₂ canister can carbonate several liters of water, but the cost of refills will depend on the supplier. Some brands offer subscription services for automatic cylinder replacements, which may help reduce costs and ensure you always have a fresh supply. If you enjoy flavored beverages, adding syrups or fruit juice to your drinks will contribute to the ongoing expenses.

Soda machine vs. store-bought sparkling water: Which is cheaper?

When debating are soda makers worth it, cost comparison with store-bought soda is a key factor. On average, purchasing bottled or canned sparkling water can add up quickly. With a soda machine, the cost per liter of carbonated water drops significantly, especially for frequent consumers. Over time, those savings become more noticeable, making home soda makers an economical choice for anyone who enjoys fizzy drinks regularly.

Environmental impact of soda machines

One of the biggest advantages of using a soda maker is its positive environmental impact. Switching to a home soda machine helps reduce waste and promotes more sustainable beverage consumption.

Reducing plastic bottle waste

Replacing store-bought bottled water with reusable bottles drastically reduces plastic waste. With a soda machine, you no longer need to purchase beverages in plastic bottles or cans, cutting down on single-use packaging. This shift not only decreases plastic pollution but also reduces the energy required to produce and transport packaged drinks. For consumers committed to minimizing their environmental footprint, using a soda maker offers a simple and effective way to reduce daily waste.

CO2 cartridge recycling

Another sustainability benefit is the ability to recycle and refill CO₂ cartridges through exchange programs offered by many soda machine brands. By refilling rather than discarding empty CO₂ cylinders, users help conserve resources and minimize waste. Participating in these programs ensures that cartridges are cleaned, inspected, and reused, lowering the need for new materials. This makes home soda makers a more environmentally friendly option than relying on store-bought sodas with single-use containers.

Customizing your drinks with a soda machine

Making soda at home gives you complete control over your beverage experience. You can adjust the carbonation level to your liking, from light bubbles to intense fizz. Beyond experimenting with soda water vs. sparkling water, you can explore new flavors by adding fruit juice, syrups, or herbal infusions. Many soda machines make it easy to create personalized versions of soft drinks, energy drinks, and flavored sodas. Having a soda fountain machine on your countertop ensures that you’ll always have fresh, customized drinks ready to enjoy, tailored precisely to your taste.

Are soda machines a worthwhile investment?

So, are home soda makers worth it? For many, the answer is yes. While there is an initial investment, the ability to enjoy fizzy drinks whenever you want—without trips to the grocery store or excess plastic waste—makes a soda machine a valuable addition to the kitchen. For casual soda drinkers and sparkling water enthusiasts alike, a home soda maker provides a simple, cost-effective way to elevate your beverage game.

At Breville, we believe in empowering home cooks and beverage enthusiasts with the right kitchen appliances and tools to enhance their everyday experiences. Whether you're creating sparkling water, flavored sodas, or experimenting with new recipes, having reliable equipment at home makes all the difference. Breville is committed to helping you make the most of your kitchen—one fizzy drink at a time.

 

Sources: 

1. Science History Institute. Fizzy Water. https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/distillations-pod/fizzy-water/

2. The Public's Radio. Is Using a Soda Maker More Energy Efficient than Buying Seltzer by the Can? https://thepublicsradio.org/episode/is-using-a-soda-maker-more-energy-efficient-than-buying-seltzer-by-the-can/


Related Articles

Are soda machines worth it? Exploring benefits