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Who doesn’t love seltzer? The bubbly beverage is not only refreshing but can also be used in a myriad of ways. You can add a splash to your gin fizz to give it effervescent pizzaz, pour some into your tempura batter to get it light and airy or even include it in your morning smoothie for a little extra pep. Of course, you don’t need to spend a small fortune buying bottle after bottle of mineral water: You can easily make seltzer at home with a specialized machine.
This is not a new phenomenon. In fact, the first home carbonation machine was actually invented by Guy Hugh Gilbey of W & A Gilbey Ltd. back in 1903. But the device has enjoyed a renaissance over the past few years thanks to a new generation of seltzer makers. No doubt you’ve heard of SodaStream, which has been dominating the market since the ‘70s, but it’s no longer the only player in the game. Here, the best seltzer makers that deliver sparkling H20 at the push of a button.
Aarke Carbonator III Sparkling Water Maker
Now this is an appliance that deserves a spot on your tabletop. Not only does it look sleek and modern but it also delivers 34 ounces of refreshing sparkling water in just two seconds. It’s the third generation of Aarke sparkling-water makers, and the engineers have made sure this model even more robust than its predecessor. The machine features a metal shell in which the CO2 carbonator sits and is much sturdier than the plastic models of the past. Like the majority of seltzer makers, it requires no batteries or electricity. Just fill the bottle with cold water, screw it into the machine, pull the lever down, and, voila, you have seltzer. The kit includes one nontoxic PET bottle, which you can regularly reuse to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles ending up in the oceans or landfills.
Twenty39 Qarbo Seltzer Maker
Twenty39 understands that variety is the spice of life. That’s why its Qarbo seltzer maker can carbonate not only water but juice, iced tea or even wine and beer. Furthermore, the two large 34-ounce bottles feature a wide mouth so you can add fruit to infuse your sparkling water if you so desire. As for the bubbles, the machine works with 60-liter CO2 tanks and adds gas to the water through controlled pressure release via a mechanism at the top of the bottle. The elegant machine has a small footprint and won’t hog too much counter space. It also doesn’t require any pesky batteries or cords.
Spärkel Beverage System
If you want to make your own sparkling water but hate the idea of schlepping bulky CO2 tanks to and from the store, allow us to introduce you to Spärkel’s seltzer maker. It’s powered by small, single-use carbonators that generate exactly the right amount of CO2 to carbonate 25.4 ounces of liquid in a reusable Spärkel bottle. That means there is nothing to return or refill. The machine has five levels of carbonation that allow you to choose just how fizzy you want to go and can also carbonate juice, tea, spirits and wine. The possibilities are endless; just push the button and enjoy the bubbles.
SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker
SodaStream may have started out producing retro machines in the ’70s, but it’s come a long way since then. Departing from the tangerine colorway and chunky silhouettes of the past, the next-gen of seltzer makers are decidedly modern and make fresh seltzer at the push of the button. The machine works with 60-liter CO2 tanks, and each tank is capable of churning out up to 15.8 gallons of sparkling water. That means you’ll be able to fill the 34-ounce bottle around 60 times before you have to refill the tank. In short, a SodaStream can produce a lot of sparkling water. The company has also created zero-calorie fruit drops, which you can use to create guilt-free flavored water. La Croix who?
Mysoda Woody Sparkling Water Maker
Getting a seltzer maker instead of spending money on plastic bottles is already great for the environment, but Mysoda takes it a step further. The brand created a device made from ecological biocomposite, which is obtained from the residues of the forest industry. Yes, it’s a wooden seltzer maker, one that’s so original that it won the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Gold Award.
Buy Now on Finnish Design Shop: $70
DrinkMate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker
Consider this seltzer maker from DrinkMate your new best friend. Not only is it incredibly quick and easy to operate, the gas-powered device (no electricity required) also comes in an array of striking colors, from standard black or white to eye-catching red and powder blue. Factor in the streamlined design, and you have something that’ll really elevate your kitchen countertop.
Isi Classic Mesh Soda Maker
Isi goes back to basics, offering a soda maker that resembles the ones found on bar carts in Mad Men. Where others look like machines, the brand sticks to a classic bottle design, which means you can easily carry it around or store it in the refrigerator to keep it chilled. And if you’re looking to craft a cocktail or other tasty beverage, Isi offers a slew of recipes on its website.
Philips White Sparkling Water Maker with Stainless-Steel Trim
It’s the simple things that make the most impact, and proving this credo is this no-fuss soda maker from Philips. The design is compact, the surface is sleek and the charging station is incredibly secure. The one downside is that Co2 carbonator cartridges are sold separately. But this also means that any cartridge will work with the device.
