Manual machines don't usually need to be plugged in. Automatic machines are powered and typically have pre-set carbonation levels.

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.

We recommend soda makers with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 80% or more.

Each soda maker's overall score is made up of ease of use (80%) and performance (20%).

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.

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%).

How easy it is to control the level of fizz you want.

Models that score higher let you have more customisation over the carbonation levels.

Ease of installing the gas canister and removing it when empty. It should not be a fiddly process.

How easy it is to install and remove the drinking bottle.

Lower scores mean more water overflowed from the bottle during carbonation/removing the drinking bottle

General ease of cleaning assessment. We also look at whether the soda maker collects fingerprints and if it's easy to wipe over.

An ease of use assessment of the included bottle and lid. Can the bottle lay down in the fridge? Can the lid be secured tightly?

Is it practical and easy to replace the C02 canister via drop-off points or a replacement program.

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). 

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.

Recommended retail price.

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.

Measured bottle capacity for carbonation.

Specifications of the gas cylinder.

Weight including a full canister but excluding the drinking bottle.

All plastic bottles claim to be BPA free.

Claimed core material.

Whether we received at least one drinking bottle with our soda maker.

Whether we received at least one replacement C02 cylinder with our soda maker.

Automatic models make it easy to carbonate to preset levels but a manual model can give you more control.

Handy to capture any spills from the bottle.