⚡ Quick Answer
Get SodaStream if you only want sparkling water. It's simpler, has better CO2 availability, and costs less.
Get DrinkMate if you want to carbonate cocktails, juice, wine, or anything beyond water.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | SodaStream Terra | DrinkMate OmniFizz |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89 | $110 |
| Carbonates Water | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Carbonates Other Beverages | ✗ No | ✓ Yes — juice, wine, cocktails |
| CO2 System | Quick-connect (pink cap) | Screw-in (universal 60L) |
| CO2 Availability | Excellent — major retailers | Good — some retailers, online |
| Ease of Use | Very simple | Slightly more steps (release valve) |
| Speed | Faster | Slower (controlled release) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
The Key Difference: What Can You Carbonate?
SodaStream: Water Only
SodaStream machines are designed exclusively for water. The bottles connect directly to the carbonation mechanism — when you remove them, any pressure releases immediately. This works fine for water but causes explosive overflow with sugary or acidic beverages.
SodaStream explicitly warns against carbonating anything but water. Doing so voids your warranty and risks damaging the machine.
DrinkMate: Anything Goes
DrinkMate uses a patented "Fizz Infuser" system with a controlled release valve. After carbonating, you detach the bottle while it's still sealed under pressure, then slowly release the gas before opening. This prevents overflow and makes it safe to carbonate:
- Juice (orange juice, apple cider, lemonade)
- Wine (turn still wine into sparkling)
- Cocktails (fizzy margaritas, sparkling mojitos)
- Flat soda (re-carbonate day-old drinks)
- Tea, coffee, energy drinks — anything liquid
CO2 Availability
This is SodaStream's biggest advantage. Their cylinders are available at:
- Walmart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond
- Most major grocery chains
- Amazon (with exchange)
- Electronics retailers in Europe
DrinkMate uses standard 60L cylinders (same physical size, different connector than SodaStream's quick-connect). They're available at:
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Amazon
- Some specialty retailers
If you live in a major metro area, both are easy to find. In rural areas, SodaStream has a clear advantage.
Ease of Use
SodaStream
- Fill bottle with water
- Insert and twist to lock
- Press button until fizzy
- Twist out, drink
Time: ~20 seconds
DrinkMate
- Fill bottle with beverage
- Insert and twist to lock
- Press button until fizzy
- Detach bottle (still sealed)
- Slowly release pressure via valve
- Open and drink
Time: ~45 seconds to 1 minute
DrinkMate is slightly slower due to the controlled release step. For water, this feels unnecessary. For cocktails and juice, it's essential to prevent mess.
Cost Comparison
| SodaStream | DrinkMate | |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | $89 | $110 |
| CO2 exchange (per cylinder) | $18 | $15 |
| Cost per liter | $0.30 | $0.25 |
| Replacement bottles | $15/2-pack | $20/2-pack |
DrinkMate has slightly cheaper ongoing costs due to using standard screw-in cylinders. SodaStream's quick-connect cylinders cost a few dollars more. Over a year of moderate use, the difference is maybe $20-30.
Our Recommendation
Get SodaStream Terra if:
- You only want sparkling water
- You want the simplest, fastest operation
- CO2 availability matters (rural areas)
- You want a slightly cheaper machine
Get DrinkMate OmniFizz if:
- You want to carbonate cocktails, juice, or wine
- You're a home bartender
- You want maximum flexibility
- You don't mind an extra step for the release valve
The Bottom Line
For 90% of people who just want sparkling water, SodaStream Terra is the better choice. It's simpler, slightly cheaper, and has better CO2 availability.
But if you have any interest in carbonating cocktails, making sparkling wine, or fizzing up juice, DrinkMate is the only game in town. No other consumer machine can safely do what it does.
See also: Best Soda Makers 2026 · Best for Cocktails