Best Sparkling Water Makers of 2024: Ranked and Reviewed

Sparkling water makers have become a popular kitchen upgrade for households that want fresh bubbles without constantly buying bottled sparkling water.

But not all sparkling water systems are the same. A benchtop carbonator like SodaStream or Aarke is very different from an installed sparkling water tap like the Puretec Sparq S5. One sits on the bench and carbonates bottles manually. The other connects to your kitchen plumbing and delivers filtered sparkling water directly from the tap.

For Brisbane, Gold Coast and South East Queensland homes, the best choice depends on how often you drink sparkling water, whether you want filtered water, how much bench or cupboard space you have, and whether you want a simple appliance or a more permanent kitchen upgrade.

JR Gas & Water can help customers compare water filters, under-sink filtration and plumbing requirements for home sparkling water systems.

Quick Answer

The best sparkling water maker for most homeowners who want a premium long-term kitchen upgrade is an installed sparkling water tap, with the Puretec Sparq S5-style system being the strongest choice for filtered, on-demand sparkling water.

For renters, occasional sparkling water drinkers or budget-focused buyers, benchtop carbonation systems like SodaStream, Drinkmate and Aarke can still make sense. However, they do not offer the same built-in filtered tap convenience as an installed system.

If you already buy sparkling water regularly and want filtered still and sparkling water from your kitchen, an installed sparkling water tap is usually the better long-term option.

Sparkling Water Maker vs Sparkling Water Tap

Before ranking the best options, it helps to separate two main categories.

A sparkling water maker is usually a benchtop appliance. You fill a bottle with water, attach it to the machine, carbonate it with CO2, then store or drink it.

A sparkling water tap is installed into the kitchen plumbing. It filters the water and dispenses sparkling water directly from a tap, depending on the system.

For everyday homeowners, the biggest decision is whether you want a portable appliance or a proper kitchen water system.

What to Look for in a Sparkling Water Maker

The best sparkling water maker is not just the one with the most fizz. It should suit how you actually use water at home.

Important buying factors include:

Carbonation control
CO2 cylinder availability
Bottle quality
Ease of use
Filtered water compatibility
Bench or cupboard space
Ongoing running costs
Cleaning requirements
Whether it carbonates water only or other drinks
Whether it suits renters or homeowners
Whether professional installation is needed
Long-term convenience

If you are choosing a plumbed sparkling water tap, also check under-sink space, power access, filter access, CO2 cylinder location, water pressure and tap placement.

1. Puretec Sparq S5: Best Overall for Homeowners

The Puretec Sparq S5 is the strongest option for homeowners who want sparkling water as part of a proper kitchen water setup rather than a benchtop appliance.

Instead of manually filling bottles and carbonating them one at a time, a Sparq-style system is designed to provide filtered sparkling water directly from the tap. This makes it better suited to families, entertainers and households that already buy sparkling water regularly.

Best Suited To

The Puretec Sparq S5 may suit:

Homeowners wanting filtered sparkling water on demand
Families who drink sparkling water regularly
Kitchen renovations and upgrades
Households wanting fewer bottled sparkling water purchases
Customers who want a cleaner bench without a standalone appliance
Homes with suitable under-sink space
Brisbane and Gold Coast households wanting a more permanent water filter upgrade

What It Does Well

The biggest advantage is convenience. A plumbed sparkling water system is always ready to use and does not rely on manually filling bottles before every serve.

Key strengths include:

Filtered sparkling water from the tap
More integrated than benchtop carbonators
Useful for daily drinking water
Practical for entertaining
Helps reduce bottled sparkling water use
Keeps the kitchen bench cleaner
Can be paired with broader filtration goals

For customers already considering better drinking water, JR Gas & Water’s water filters are the best place to compare options.

Things to Consider

A plumbed sparkling system needs more planning than a benchtop machine.

Before choosing one, check:

Under-sink cabinet space
CO2 cylinder access
Filter replacement access
Power requirements
Tap hole location
Water pressure
Installation requirements
Ongoing filter and CO2 costs

If you are unsure whether your kitchen suits an installed sparkling water tap, send photos through the JR Gas & Water quote request page.

2. SodaStream Art: Best Simple Benchtop Starter Option

SodaStream-style machines are popular because they are simple, affordable and widely recognised. They are a good entry point for households that want sparkling water without plumbing work.

The SodaStream Art is a good example of the everyday benchtop category. It suits people who want easy carbonation without installing a tap system.

Best Suited To

SodaStream-style machines may suit:

Renters
Occasional sparkling water drinkers
Families wanting a low-cost starter option
People with limited under-sink space
Customers who want a portable system
Households not ready for plumbing changes

What It Does Well

The main advantage is simplicity.

Key benefits include:

Lower upfront cost
No plumbing installation
Easy to move or store
Suitable for basic sparkling water
Refillable CO2 cylinder options
Good entry-level choice

Limitations

The trade-off is convenience and water quality.

Things to consider:

You need to manually fill bottles
It does not filter water unless you pre-filter separately
It takes up bench or cupboard space
Bottles need cleaning and replacement over time
Not as premium as a plumbed tap system
Not ideal for heavy-use households

For better taste, some households pair a benchtop carbonator with a dedicated water filter.

3. Drinkmate OmniFizz: Best for Carbonating More Than Water

Most sparkling water makers are designed for water only. Drinkmate-style systems are different because they are known for carbonating a wider range of drinks, depending on model instructions.

This can appeal to people who want to carbonate juices, cocktails or other beverages rather than only plain water.

Best Suited To

Drinkmate-style systems may suit:

Home cocktail makers
People who want to carbonate more than water
Occasional users
Renters
Customers wanting a portable system
Households experimenting with flavoured drinks

What It Does Well

The main selling point is flexibility.

Key strengths include:

Can suit creative drink use
Portable benchtop setup
No plumbing installation
Good for mixers and entertaining
More flexible than water-only machines

Limitations

It is still a manual appliance. It does not replace a plumbed filtered sparkling water tap.

Consider:

Manual bottle filling
Cleaning requirements after flavoured drinks
No built-in under-sink filtration
Not as seamless for daily family use
May not suit people who only want filtered sparkling water

For homeowners who mainly want filtered sparkling drinking water, an installed system is still the stronger long-term option.

4. Aarke Carbonator Pro: Best Premium Benchtop Design

Aarke-style carbonators appeal to design-focused buyers. They are popular because they look more premium than basic plastic carbonators and can suit modern kitchens where appearance matters.

The Aarke Carbonator Pro is a good example of a premium benchtop sparkling water maker.

Best Suited To

Aarke-style systems may suit:

Design-focused kitchens
Customers wanting a premium benchtop appliance
Occasional to moderate sparkling water users
Homes where a plumbed tap is not practical
People who prefer glass bottles
Renters wanting a stylish portable option

What It Does Well

The biggest advantage is design.

Key strengths include:

Premium appearance
Better suited to display on the bench
Good option for style-conscious buyers
No plumbing installation
Simple sparkling water function
Can suit apartments and small kitchens

Limitations

The higher price does not make it as convenient as a plumbed sparkling water tap.

Things to consider:

Still requires manual bottle filling
Does not filter water itself
Takes up bench space
Higher cost than basic carbonators
Not ideal for high daily demand

For homeowners spending premium money, it is worth comparing the cost against an installed sparkling water tap.

5. Compact High-Tech Carbonators: Best for Small Spaces

Some newer benchtop sparkling water makers focus on touch controls, compact design and adjustable carbonation.

These can suit customers who want more control than a basic manual carbonator but do not want a plumbed system.

Best Suited To

Compact high-tech systems may suit:

Small kitchens
Apartments
Renters
Tech-focused users
Customers wanting adjustable fizz
People who want a modern benchtop appliance

What They Do Well

These systems can offer:

Adjustable carbonation levels
Compact designs
Simple controls
Modern styling
No plumbing installation
Easy setup for renters

Limitations

As with other benchtop systems, they are not a complete filtered water solution unless you use filtered water before carbonation.

They may also rely on specific bottles, chargers or accessories, so ongoing replacement costs should be checked before buying.

Best Sparkling Water Makers of 2024: Comparison Table

Which Sparkling Water Maker Should You Buy?

The best option depends on how often you drink sparkling water and whether you want a permanent kitchen upgrade.

Choose a Puretec Sparq S5-Style Tap If

You want filtered sparkling water from the tap
You drink sparkling water regularly
You own your home
You want a cleaner kitchen bench
You are renovating or upgrading the kitchen
You want a more premium long-term solution
You want JR Gas & Water to help with plumbing advice

Choose a SodaStream-Style Machine If

You want the cheapest entry point
You rent your home
You only drink sparkling water sometimes
You do not want installation work
You are happy manually filling bottles

Choose a Drinkmate-Style System If

You want to carbonate more than water
You make mocktails or cocktails
You want a portable appliance
You are happy with manual cleaning and bottle use

Choose an Aarke-Style Carbonator If

You want a stylish benchtop appliance
You care about kitchen aesthetics
You do not want plumbing changes
You prefer premium-looking equipment

Why Filtration Matters Before Carbonation

Sparkling water tastes best when the base water tastes good.

If your tap water has chlorine taste, odour, sediment or other taste concerns, carbonation can make those flavours more noticeable. That is why filtered sparkling water systems often feel better to drink than simple carbonation from unfiltered tap water.

A filtration setup can help improve:

Taste
Odour
Sediment reduction
Drinking water clarity
Water used for coffee, tea and cooking
Overall kitchen water quality

JR Gas & Water can help compare water filters for homes that want better drinking water before choosing a carbonation system.

Installed Sparkling Tap vs Benchtop Carbonator

For homeowners, the real comparison is convenience.

A benchtop machine can be fine for occasional use. An installed sparkling tap is better for people who want sparkling water to become part of everyday kitchen use.

Installation Considerations for Sparkling Water Taps

An installed sparkling water tap needs proper planning. It is not the same as buying a benchtop appliance.

Before choosing a system, check:

Under-sink space
Power point availability
Water pressure
Filter cartridge position
CO2 cylinder position
Tap hole location
Cabinet ventilation
Access for maintenance
Existing plumbing condition
Whether old filters need removal
Whether the benchtop can accept another tap

For plumbing support, customers can start with JR Gas & Water’s Brisbane plumber service or send details through the quote request page.

Running Costs to Consider

Sparkling water systems have ongoing costs. These depend on whether you choose a benchtop appliance or an installed tap.

Common running costs include:

CO2 cylinders
Filter cartridges
Replacement bottles
System servicing
Replacement parts
Electricity for chilled systems
Plumbing support if issues occur

For high-use households, the ongoing cost and convenience of a plumbed system may be easier to justify. For occasional users, a benchtop carbonator may be enough.

Local Brisbane and Gold Coast Considerations

Sparkling water taps and water filtration systems can work well in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and nearby South East Queensland areas, but the best setup depends on the property.

Common local considerations include:

Older homes with limited under-sink space
Apartments with compact cabinetry
Renovated kitchens with stone benchtops
Homes with high water pressure
Gold Coast properties with older fittings or corrosion concerns
Townhouses with body corporate rules
Acreage homes with tanks, pumps or non-standard water sources
Families wanting filtered water for daily use
Homes wanting fewer bottled water purchases

For properties with tanks, pumps or broader water quality concerns, JR Gas & Water can also help customers compare water pumps and filtration options.

What JR Gas & Water Can Help With

JR Gas & Water can help customers compare practical water filtration and sparkling water tap options across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and nearby South East Queensland areas.

Relevant support includes:

Water filters for drinking water and kitchen filtration options
Book a Brisbane plumber for plumbing support and installation advice
Service work pricing for common service and plumbing jobs
Request a quote if you need help checking kitchen suitability
Water pumps for properties where filtration is part of a broader water setup

FAQs About Sparkling Water Makers

What is the best sparkling water maker in 2024?

For homeowners who want a proper kitchen upgrade, an installed sparkling water tap such as a Puretec Sparq S5-style system is the best overall choice. For renters or occasional users, a benchtop carbonator may be more practical.

Is a sparkling water tap better than SodaStream?

A sparkling water tap is better for regular home use if you want filtered sparkling water on demand. SodaStream-style machines are cheaper and portable, but they require manual bottle filling and do not filter water unless you pre-filter it separately.

Are sparkling water makers worth it?

They can be worth it if you regularly buy sparkling water. A benchtop unit can reduce bottle purchases, while an installed sparkling water tap offers a more convenient long-term solution for homeowners.

Do sparkling water makers need filtered water?

They do not always need filtered water, but filtered water usually tastes better when carbonated. If your tap water has chlorine taste or odour, filtration can make a big difference.

Can I carbonate drinks other than water?

Only some sparkling water makers are designed to carbonate drinks other than water. Many systems are water-only, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before carbonating juice, wine or other drinks.

How long does a CO2 cylinder last?

CO2 cylinder life depends on cylinder size, carbonation level and household use. Heavy sparkling water users will replace cylinders more often than occasional users.

Can JR Gas & Water install sparkling water taps?

JR Gas & Water can help with plumbing support, filtration advice and installation pathways for suitable sparkling water tap systems across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and nearby South East Queensland areas.

What should I check before buying a plumbed sparkling water tap?

Check under-sink space, power access, tap hole location, filter access, CO2 cylinder space, ventilation needs, water pressure and ongoing maintenance costs. Photos of your kitchen cabinet and plumbing can help confirm suitability.

Final Thoughts

The best sparkling water maker depends on whether you want a portable appliance or a long-term kitchen upgrade.

For renters and occasional sparkling water drinkers, a benchtop carbonator can be enough. For homeowners who drink sparkling water regularly, an installed sparkling water tap is the better premium option because it offers filtered sparkling water directly from the kitchen tap.

Need help choosing a sparkling water setup?

JR Gas & Water can help compare suitable water filters, provide plumbing support through the Brisbane plumber service, or review kitchen photos through the quote request page.