We compared two home carbonation machines: the SodaStream TERRA starter kit and the Drinkmate OmniFizz.
What we looked at
What each machine can carbonate, what is included in the box, power source, and price.
The verdict
If you want a starter kit that includes a 60L CO2 Quick Connect gas cylinder and a reusable bottle out of the box, mainly for fizzing water and mixing in SodaStream flavour drops or syrups, the SodaStream TERRA is the all-in-one starter pick, at £54.99. If you would rather pay £15.00 more for a machine stated to carbonate almost any drink — juices, iced tea, wine, cocktails or even flat soda — the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the more versatile option, at £69.99, though its CO2 cylinder is sold separately.
A £54.99 complete starter kit with a CO2 cylinder and bottle included.
A £69.99 machine stated to carbonate almost any drink, CO2 cylinder sold separately.
SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker, Starter Kit with CO2 Cylinder and Bottle — Best Starter Kit
Intended for: Marketed as a sparkling water maker starter kit including a 60L Quick Connect CO2 gas cylinder and a reusable BPA-free bottle, with a secure snap-and-seal design, able to make flavoured drinks such as Pepsi at home with SodaStream drink mixes (sold separately), and a slim design that fits under most kitchen cupboards.
What we liked
- Comes as a complete starter kit with a CO2 cylinder and bottle included, per the listing
- Quick Connect gas system clicks in with one push
- Reusable, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free bottle
- Slim design fits under most kitchen cupboards
- Cylinders can be refilled via SodaStream gas exchange at participating UK retailers, per the listing
Worth knowing
- Costs £15.00 less than the Drinkmate but is mainly aimed at fizzing water rather than a wide range of other drinks
- Uses SodaStream's own cylinder and bottle system
Best for
- Buyers who want everything included in one starter kit
- Anyone who mainly wants fizzy water and SodaStream-flavoured drinks
- Kitchens with limited cupboard clearance
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants to carbonate wine, juice or other drinks directly, per the listing
- Buyers who already have their own CO2 cylinder system
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Beverage Maker, Matte Black — Most Versatile
Intended for: Marketed as a sparkling beverage maker with push-button simplicity that carbonates water, juices, iced tea or coffee, energy drinks, wine, cocktails, and even flat soda or beer, powered by a standard 60L CO2 cylinder (not included), with no electricity or batteries required, in a compact 20cm x 13cm x 41cm footprint.
What we liked
- Stated to carbonate a much wider range of drinks than water alone, including juice, wine and flat soda
- No electricity or batteries required, per the listing
- Compact footprint at 20cm x 13cm x 41cm
- Includes a 1L BPA-free reusable bottle and a Fizz Infuser
- Push-button simplicity, per the listing
Worth knowing
- Costs £15.00 more than the SodaStream TERRA on these listings
- CO2 cylinder is not included, per the listing, adding to the real first-time cost
Best for
- Anyone who wants to carbonate drinks beyond plain water
- Buyers who want a compact, standalone machine
- Households that already have a spare CO2 cylinder
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want everything included in the box for less setup cost
- Budget-conscious first-time buyers
