enter value/s in increments of 1 between 49 and 499
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Type
Manual machines don't usually need to be plugged in. Automatic machines are powered and typically have pre-set carbonation levels.
Performance score
We test if machines can achieve a low, medium and high level of carbonation using the automatic or manual settings, as well as consistency of carbonation.
enter value/s in increments of i between 60 and 81
Ease of use score
Includes ease of installing/removing CO2 cylinder (20%) ease of installing/removing the drinking bottle (20%), ease of controls (20%), water spillage (20%), ease of cleaning (10%), assessment of the bottle shape and lid quality (5%) and the quality of the C02 canister return/replacement program (5%).
enter value/s in increments of i between 61 and 88
Calculated cost per litre
Based on a high carbonation setting (maximum for automatic machines, or 1–2 seconds three or four times on manual machines). Results will vary depending on carbonation level used.
enter value/s in increments of i between 0.38 and 0.84
Calculated litres per cylinder (L)
The amount of water that can be carbonated from a single C02 cylinder. Based on a high carbonation setting (either the maximum setting for automatic machines or carbonating for 1-2 seconds three or four times on manual machines).
enter value/s in increments of i between 22.6 and 52.5
Shop Ethical rating
Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. The rating ranks from A (highest) to F (lowest); N/A means there is no rating for that company.
Carbonisation level control score
Models that score higher let you have more customisation over the carbonation levels.
enter value/s in increments of i between 60 and 80
Controls score
How easy it is to control the level of fizz you want.
enter value/s in increments of i between 60 and 90
Carbonisation mechanism
Auto and mechanical models usually use; a push button/buttons for your finger, a large flat button or press that you can activate with your fingers or palm, a long flat paddle or a side lever.
Pre-set carbonisation levels
Automatic models make it easy to carbonate to preset levels but a manual model can give you more control.
Includes C02 cylinder
Whether we received at least one replacement C02 cylinder with our soda maker.
Availability
A Similar model is identical in most aspects except for a few. This means that a majority of its test results are identical so you can reasonably expect to get the same results from the model we tested, but for those aspects which aren't identical, we'll note these as "Not Tested" in the Compare tables.
A Tested model refers to a model that is still current and available in the Australian market. You should be able to order this model through your local retailer, or find it online.
These models can't be found in retailers or online or are no longer manufactured. You may still find them on second-hand websites, or in second-hand dealers. Test methods may change over time, so criteria which can't be directly compared will contain an N/A.
An Identical model is exactly that. Performance characteristics will be identical and the only difference will be something trivial such as colour, which won't have an impact on performance.
These are models we haven't yet tested but that are available.
Included in this review
- Recommended
- Calculated cost per litre
- CHOICE Expert Rating
- Performance score
- Ease of use score
- Controls score
- Carbonisation level control score
- Installing CO2 canister score
- Installing and removing bottle score
- Water spillage score
- Cleaning score
- Bottle shape score
- Canister replacement score
- Calculated litres per cylinder
- Good points
- Bad points
- Tester comments
- Type
- Carbonisation type
- Price
- Bottle capacity (litres)
- Shop Ethical rating
- Bottle type
- Core material
- Included bottle cylinder
- Includes C02 cylinder
- Pre-set carbonisation levels
- Drip tray
- Operating light
- CO2 canister type
- Weight excluding bottle (kg)
- Dimensions (cm, W x H x D)
- Warranty (years)
- Country of origin