Not everyone wants a plastic appliance on their countertop. If you care about design, build quality, and don't mind paying for premium materials, these soda makers deliver.
Fair warning: premium soda makers don't carbonate better than budget options. You're paying for aesthetics, materials, and build quality — not superior fizz.
⚡ Quick Premium Picks
- Best Overall Premium: Aarke Carbonator 3 ($229)
- Ultimate Luxury: Aarke Carbonator Pro ($349)
- Premium on a Budget: SodaStream Art ($130)
- Best Glass Bottles: SodaStream Duo ($170)
1. Aarke Carbonator 3 — Best Overall Premium
Aarke Carbonator 3
The Carbonator 3 is the gold standard for premium soda makers. Full stainless steel construction, beautiful lever mechanism, and Swedish industrial design that wouldn't look out of place in a design museum.
Why It's Premium:
- All-metal body — stainless steel, not plastic with metal accents
- Multiple finishes — steel, matte black, copper, brass, white
- Lever mechanism — satisfying, smooth operation
- Compact design — takes minimal counter space
- Built to last — 10-15+ year lifespan
Trade-offs:
- $229 price — 2.5× a basic SodaStream
- Plastic bottle (PET) — glass upgrade requires the Pro
2. Aarke Carbonator Pro — Ultimate Luxury
Aarke Carbonator Pro
The Pro is Aarke's top-tier offering. Same stunning design as the Carbonator 3, but with a glass carafe and ingenious auto-seal cap system. It's the machine for those who want nothing but the best.
Why It's Premium:
- Glass carafe — elegant, serves directly at table
- Auto-seal cap — pressurizes as you remove, no CO2 escape
- Heavier, more substantial — feels like quality
Trade-offs:
- $349 price — 4× a basic SodaStream
- Glass is breakable (replacements ~$50)
- Only 2 finishes vs many for Carbonator 3
3. SodaStream Art — Premium on a Budget
SodaStream Art
The Art brings premium vibes at a more accessible price. Retro-inspired lever mechanism, metal body accents, and a design that stands out from basic models. It's the entry point to premium soda makers.
Why It's Premium:
- Lever mechanism — tactile, satisfying operation
- Metal accents — not fully metal, but elevated from plastic
- Retro design — conversation-starting looks
- $130 — accessible premium pricing
Trade-offs:
- Not fully metal — base/body still has plastic
- Doesn't match Aarke's build quality
4. SodaStream Duo — Best Glass Bottles
SodaStream Duo
The Duo is SodaStream's premium offering with glass carafe capability. It works with both glass and plastic bottles, giving you flexibility. Great for people who want glass for entertaining but plastic for everyday.
Why It's Premium:
- Glass carafe included — elegant serving
- Dual compatibility — glass or plastic, your choice
- Quick-connect CO2 — SodaStream's easiest refill system
- Wider availability — easier to find CO2 than Aarke
Trade-offs:
- Machine body still largely plastic
- Not as striking as Aarke designs
Premium Soda Maker Comparison
| Model | Price | Body | Bottle | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aarke Carbonator 3 | $229 | All metal | PET | Design lovers |
| Aarke Carbonator Pro | $349 | All metal | Glass | Ultimate luxury |
| SodaStream Art | $130 | Metal accents | PET | Budget premium |
| SodaStream Duo | $170 | Metal accents | Glass + PET | Glass flexibility |
Our Recommendation
For most design-conscious buyers, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the sweet spot. It's undeniably beautiful, built to last decades, and at $229, the premium feels justified.
If glass is non-negotiable and you're already in the Aarke ecosystem, the Carbonator Pro delivers. If you want premium vibes without the Aarke price, the SodaStream Art at $130 is surprisingly nice.
See also: Best Soda Makers 2026 · SodaStream vs Aarke · Carbonator 3 vs Pro