If you’re tired of hauling home cases of seltzer and you’ve seen the curvy, retro SodaStream Art, you’re probably wondering: does it actually make good sparkling water, and is it worth the price? The short answer from owners and testers is yes, it’s one of the best-looking and easiest-to-use carbonators around, with a lever-pull design that makes fizzing water genuinely satisfying. Here’s what the Art does, whether it’s worth it, and how it stacks up against SodaStream’s other models.
What the SodaStream Art Actually Is
The SodaStream Art is a countertop sparkling water maker that carbonates plain tap water on demand. What sets it apart from other SodaStream models is the lever: instead of pressing a button, you pull a side lever down to inject CO2, and the number of pulls controls how fizzy your water gets, a tactile, retro experience reviewers consistently call satisfying. It runs entirely manually (no power needed), uses a snap-lock mechanism to attach the BPA-free bottle, and takes SodaStream’s newer pink Quick Connect CO2 cylinder, which clicks in rather than screwing. The starter kit includes the machine, a CO2 cylinder, and reusable bottles. You carbonate plain water, then optionally add SodaStream’s flavor drops or your own juice. As The Spruce Eats found in testing, setup is almost effortless and it makes great bubbles, the design landing somewhere between modern and retro.
Is the SodaStream Art Worth It?
Here’s the honest verdict reviewers converge on. The SodaStream Art is worth it if you drink sparkling water regularly: it pays for itself over time versus buying bottled seltzer, dramatically cuts single-use plastic waste, and lets you control exactly how fizzy (and how flavored) your water is. The lever design is genuinely fun and easy, it’s the best-looking carbonator many testers have used, and setup takes minutes. The things to know: it uses the pink Quick Connect CO2 cylinders, which are convenient to swap but harder to refill cheaply from third parties than the older screw-in cylinders (a real consideration for cost-conscious heavy users); flavors aren’t included (you add drops or juice yourself); and at the end of the day it makes sparkling water, not soda, so the soda comparison only applies if you buy flavorings. So if you’re a seltzer drinker who wants convenience, style, and less plastic, it’s an easy yes; if you rarely drink sparkling water or want the cheapest possible CO2 refills, weigh the cylinder system first. For storing your bottles and CO2, see our beverage refrigerator guide.
What to Look For When Buying
Lever vs. button vs. electric: The Art uses a manual lever (tactile, no power, controls fizz by pulls); the Terra uses a button; the Duo does both bottle types. Pick the carbonation style you prefer. CO2 cylinder type: The Art uses the newer pink Quick Connect cylinders (snap-in, easy swap, but pricier/harder to self-refill than the older blue screw-in ones). Factor in refill cost and availability. Bottle compatibility: Snap-lock BPA-free bottles; some are dishwasher safe, check the model. Flavors: Not included, you add SodaStream drops or your own juice to the carbonated water. Footprint and looks: The Art is compact and comes in several colors; it’s designed to live on the counter.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Picks
Our Top Picks
sodastream
Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Starter Kit with CO2 Cylinder and Two Bottles
The SodaStream ART converts tap water into sparkling water with a single lever pull, including a 32 oz home bottle and a 16 oz portable bottle with carrying strap. Households looking to cut plastic bottle waste while having full control over carbonation levels and flavor combinations will get the most from this kit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The lever-based carbonation system is faster and less awkward than button-press models, making daily use genuinely low-effort.
- Two bottle sizes in the starter kit cover both home use and portability without buying accessories separately.
- Each CO2 cylinder covers up to 16 gallons, making the per-serving cost significantly lower than buying canned sparkling water.
- Broad flavor compatibility with major Pepsi brands means you can replicate popular sodas or create original blends at home.
Cons
- The ART is only compatible with SodaStream Quick Connect CO2 cylinders, so older or third-party cylinders will not work.
- At this price point you are committing to the SodaStream ecosystem for CO2 refills, which limits where you can source replacements.
sodastream
Make Custom Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker Value Bundle with CO2 Cylinders and Flavor Drops
The SodaStream ART uses a signature lever to carbonate tap water in seconds, with adjustable fizz levels and compatibility with Pepsi syrups and bubly flavor drops for a full range of drinks. Home sparkling water drinkers who want a countertop-ready, daily-use machine with a retro design and reusable BPA-free bottles will get the most value from this bundle.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The Quick Connect CO2 system snaps cylinders in and out without tools, making refills faster than screw-on designs.
- Adjustable fizz via the lever gives you precise control over carbonation level in a single pour.
- The value bundle includes two cylinders and two bottles upfront, reducing the immediate add-on cost of getting started.
- Retro-inspired build looks intentional on the counter rather than like appliance clutter.
Cons
- With zero posted reviews, real-world durability and long-term CO2 efficiency remain unverified by buyers.
- Ongoing CO2 cylinder refill costs are a recurring expense that adds to the total cost of ownership over time.
sodastream
Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream TERRA Starter Kit with Quick Connect CO2 and BPA-Free Bottle
The SodaStream TERRA carbonate tap water in seconds using a Quick Connect 60L CO2 cylinder, giving you adjustable fizz levels and the option to add Pepsi, Mountain Dew, or flavor drops from one compact machine. It suits anyone who drinks sparkling water daily and wants to cut plastic bottle waste without sacrificing variety or convenience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adjustable carbonation lets you dial in fizz intensity per glass rather than accepting a fixed bubble level.
- Quick Connect cylinder swap is genuinely fast, with no threading or leaking reported in the design, keeping downtime between refills minimal.
- Dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottle holds up to repeated daily use without requiring special care or replacement after short periods.
- Subscribe and Save CO2 refill option delivers full cylinders with a prepaid return box, removing the need to track down a retailer when you run low.
Cons
- The Quick Connect CO2 system uses SodaStream-specific cylinders, so you are tied to SodaStream refill pricing and participating exchange locations rather than universal CO2 sources.
- No built-in flavor mixing or measurement guide is included, so getting consistent soda ratios with Pepsi or Mountain Dew syrups requires some trial and error at first.
sodastream
Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker Bundle in Mandarin Red
The SodaStream ART converts tap water into sparkling water with a single lever pull, bundled with two CO2 cylinders, two 32 oz dishwasher-safe bottles, and Bubly flavor drops for immediate use. Households looking to cut single-use plastic and carbonate water on demand will find this bundle a practical, ready-to-use setup.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The lever-activated carbonation mechanism requires no electricity, so it works anywhere on the counter without an outlet.
- The value bundle ships with two CO2 cylinders and two bottles, so there is no immediate add-on purchase required to start.
- Bubly flavor drops included in the bundle let you test flavored sparkling water before committing to additional flavor purchases.
- The Quick Connect CO2 system makes cylinder swaps fast and mess-free compared to screw-in cylinder designs.
Cons
- The ART is exclusively compatible with SodaStream Quick Connect CO2 cylinders, so standard or third-party cylinders will not fit.
- At this price point, the bundle does not include a carrying case or storage solution for the extra cylinder and bottles.
VaVoger
CO2 Refill Adapter for Soda Terra Pink Cylinders – VaVoger Quick Fill Kit with Pressure Gauge
The VaVoger CO2 refill adapter connects a standard CGA320 bulk CO2 tank to Soda Terra pink-valve cylinders, letting you refill at home with a built-in pressure gauge to prevent overfilling. Home soda makers using Soda Terra Duo, Gaia, or Art machines will cut recurring cartridge costs by refilling from bulk tanks instead of buying pre-filled replacements.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The built-in pressure gauge gives real-time feedback so you can stop filling before the cylinder is overpressured.
- Works with widely available CGA320 commercial CO2 tanks found at homebrew, welding, and restaurant supply stores in the US and Canada.
- Saves money over time by letting you use bulk CO2 instead of buying individual pre-filled pink cylinders.
- Clear compatibility labeling helps buyers confirm fit before purchasing, reducing the chance of a mismatched return.
Cons
- Only works with pink-valve cylinders — tanks with RPV valves (unless removable with a hex wrench) and EU W21.8 threaded tanks are not compatible, so verify your setup before ordering.
- Requires an inverted donor tank and pre-chilled cylinder for best results, which adds steps compared to a standard exchange refill.
Editors' Picks
sodastream Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Starter Kit with CO2 Cylinder and Two Bottles
sodastream
Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Starter Kit with CO2 Cylinder and Two Bottles
The SodaStream ART converts tap water into sparkling water with a single lever pull, including a 32 oz home bottle and a 16 oz portable bottle with carrying strap. Households looking to cut plastic bottle waste while having full control over carbonation levels and flavor combinations will get the most from this kit.
$113.34 at AmazonEditors' Favorite
Color: Black Size: Starter Kit Dimensions: 11.69 x 7.24 x 17.48 inches Weight: 7.72 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop Nowsodastream Make Custom Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker Value Bundle with CO2 Cylinders and Flavor Drops
sodastream
Make Custom Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker Value Bundle with CO2 Cylinders and Flavor Drops
The SodaStream ART uses a signature lever to carbonate tap water in seconds, with adjustable fizz levels and compatibility with Pepsi syrups and bubly flavor drops for a full range of drinks. Home sparkling water drinkers who want a countertop-ready, daily-use machine with a retro design and reusable BPA-free bottles will get the most value from this bundle.
$179.98 at AmazonGreat Value
Color: Black Size: Value Bundle Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 16.9 inches Weight: 10.8 Pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop Nowsodastream Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream TERRA Starter Kit with Quick Connect CO2 and BPA-Free Bottle
sodastream
Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream TERRA Starter Kit with Quick Connect CO2 and BPA-Free Bottle
The SodaStream TERRA carbonate tap water in seconds using a Quick Connect 60L CO2 cylinder, giving you adjustable fizz levels and the option to add Pepsi, Mountain Dew, or flavor drops from one compact machine. It suits anyone who drinks sparkling water daily and wants to cut plastic bottle waste without sacrificing variety or convenience.
$74.99 at AmazonColor: Black Size: Starter Kit Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 17 Inches Weight: 6.38 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop Nowsodastream Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker Bundle in Mandarin Red
sodastream
Make Sparkling Water at Home: SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker Bundle in Mandarin Red
The SodaStream ART converts tap water into sparkling water with a single lever pull, bundled with two CO2 cylinders, two 32 oz dishwasher-safe bottles, and Bubly flavor drops for immediate use. Households looking to cut single-use plastic and carbonate water on demand will find this bundle a practical, ready-to-use setup.
$178.00 at AmazonColor: Mandarin Red Size: Value Bundle Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 16.9 inches Weight: 10.8 pounds Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowVaVoger CO2 Refill Adapter for Soda Terra Pink Cylinders – VaVoger Quick Fill Kit with Pressure Gauge
VaVoger
CO2 Refill Adapter for Soda Terra Pink Cylinders – VaVoger Quick Fill Kit with Pressure Gauge
The VaVoger CO2 refill adapter connects a standard CGA320 bulk CO2 tank to Soda Terra pink-valve cylinders, letting you refill at home with a built-in pressure gauge to prevent overfilling. Home soda makers using Soda Terra Duo, Gaia, or Art machines will cut recurring cartridge costs by refilling from bulk tanks instead of buying pre-filled replacements.
$38.99 at AmazonColor: Fit duo/terra/art L gauge pink Size: larger gauge Product Group: Kitchen Binding: Kitchen
Shop NowHow We Evaluated These Picks
This guide is research-based, not a hands-on test. We did not buy, cook with, or measure the products above. What we did compare: manufacturer specifications, materials and construction, capacities and wattages, and the patterns that repeat across large volumes of verified owner reviews — especially the complaints that only surface after weeks of use, like coatings failing, motors weakening, controls drifting, or a design proving awkward to clean and store.
Where this page describes how something performs, it is reporting what the specifications state and what owners consistently report — not a result we produced ourselves. Prices and availability change constantly, so check the current listing before buying. We earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, which never affects which products we include or how we rank them.
Quick Picks for Different Budgets
The SodaStream lineup spans the Art, the simpler Terra, and refill accessories. Here’s how the options break down.
The Pick: SodaStream Art Starter Kit
The model this review is about and the best-looking, most satisfying SodaStream to use. The starter kit includes the lever-operated Art machine, a Quick Connect CO2 cylinder, and two reusable bottles, everything you need to start carbonating tap water in minutes. The lever lets you dial in the fizz level by how many times you pull it, and the retro design is built to live on the counter. For someone who wants the full SodaStream Art experience with the essentials included, the starter kit is the straightforward buy.
Best Value Bundle: SodaStream Art Value Bundle (Extra CO2 + Flavors)
The pick for getting more out of the box. This bundle pairs the Art machine with extra CO2 cylinders and flavor drops, so you can carbonate longer before needing a refill and have flavorings on hand from day one (since flavors aren’t included in the basic kit). The extra cylinder is genuinely useful, running out of CO2 mid-week is the main SodaStream annoyance. For someone who knows they’ll use it heavily and wants flavors and backup CO2 included, the value bundle is the smarter buy.
Simpler Alternative: SodaStream Terra Starter Kit
The button-operated alternative for those who don’t need the Art’s lever or styling. The Terra uses the same Quick Connect CO2 system in a simpler, button-press design at a lower price, with a BPA-free bottle included. It carbonates just as well, you just lose the tactile lever and retro looks. Choose the Terra over the Art if you want SodaStream’s sparkling water at a friendlier price and don’t care about the premium design. Same fizz, less flourish.
Color Option: SodaStream Art Bundle (Mandarin Red)
The same Art machine and bundle in a striking Mandarin Red finish, for kitchens where the standard colors wouldn’t pop. Identical lever operation, Quick Connect CO2, and snap-lock bottles, just a bolder color that’s earned strong owner ratings. Choose it on looks if red suits your counter; the carbonation performance is the same as the standard Art. A handsome option that doesn’t change the function.
Refill Helper: VaVoger CO2 Refill Adapter for Terra/Pink Cylinders
The accessory for cost-conscious heavy users. Because the Art’s pink Quick Connect cylinders are harder to refill cheaply than older screw-in ones, this adapter kit (with a pressure gauge) lets you refill the pink cylinders from a larger external CO2 tank, cutting the per-liter cost significantly over buying SodaStream exchanges. It’s a more involved setup, but for someone carbonating daily who wants to slash CO2 costs, the refill adapter pays off. Use with care and follow the instructions.
Getting Started
Using the SodaStream Art is genuinely simple. Fill the included bottle with cold tap water to the fill line (colder water holds carbonation better), snap it into the machine, and pull the lever down firmly a few times, each pull adds fizz, so start with three pulls and add more if you want it bubblier. Release, unsnap the bottle, and your sparkling water is ready. To flavor it, add SodaStream drops or a splash of juice after carbonating (never carbonate anything but water, or you risk a sticky mess and a clogged machine). When the CO2 runs low (the carbonation weakens), swap the pink Quick Connect cylinder, it clicks in and out easily. Rinse the bottles after use and check whether yours are dishwasher safe. The machine itself needs no power and almost no maintenance; just wipe it down. Keep a spare CO2 cylinder so you’re never caught flat mid-week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SodaStream Art worth it?
For regular sparkling water drinkers, yes. It pays for itself over time versus buying bottled seltzer, cuts plastic waste dramatically, and lets you control the fizz level. The lever design is satisfying and the machine is good-looking and easy to use. The main considerations are the pink CO2 cylinder system (convenient but pricier to refill than older cylinders) and that flavors aren’t included. If you rarely drink seltzer, it’s less worthwhile.
What’s the difference between the SodaStream Art and Terra?
The Art uses a manual lever to carbonate (controlling fizz by the number of pulls) with retro styling, while the Terra uses a simpler button press at a lower price. Both use the same Quick Connect pink CO2 cylinders and snap-lock bottles, and both make equally good sparkling water. Choose the Art for the tactile lever and premium looks, the Terra to save money on the same core function.
Does the SodaStream Art need electricity?
No. The Art is fully manual, you pull the lever by hand to inject CO2, so it needs no power, batteries, or outlet. This means you can place it anywhere on the counter without an outlet nearby, and there’s nothing electronic to fail. The carbonation comes entirely from the replaceable CO2 cylinder and your lever pulls.
What CO2 cylinders does the SodaStream Art use?
The Art uses SodaStream’s newer pink Quick Connect cylinders, which snap in and out rather than screwing in, making swaps fast and easy. The trade-off is they’re pricier and harder to refill cheaply from third-party sources than the older blue screw-in cylinders. You can exchange empties at retailers or use a refill adapter to fill them from a larger external CO2 tank to cut costs.
Can you make soda or flavored drinks with the SodaStream Art?
You make sparkling water with the Art, then add flavor afterward, either SodaStream’s own flavor drops or a splash of your own juice. Never carbonate anything but plain water, as syrups and juice can clog and mess up the machine. So it makes ‘soda’ only in the sense that you flavor the carbonated water yourself; flavorings are sold separately or included in bundle kits.
The Last Word
The SodaStream Art is the best-looking, most satisfying way to make sparkling water at home: a manual lever-pull carbonator that’s easy to use, cuts plastic waste, and pays for itself over time for regular seltzer drinkers. It’s worth it if you drink sparkling water often, just factor in the pink Quick Connect CO2 system (easy to swap, pricier to refill) and that flavors are added separately. Keep a spare cylinder, carbonate only water, and enjoy the fizz on demand. For chilling your bottles, see our beverage refrigerator guide.
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