Making sparkling water at home is an affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly way to enjoy this refreshing beverage. Once you have your soda maker or sparkling water machine set up, it’s as simple as pressing a button. Step-by-step, we’ll show you how to make sparkling water at home with a soda maker – it’s easy!

How to Make Sparkling Water at Home

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Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn how to make sparkling water at home with a soda maker that uses a carbon dioxide cylinder. Each soda maker model is a bit different, so consult your instruction manual for specific steps and information.

Difficulty: Beginner

What You Will Need:

• Soda Maker
• Cold Water
• Carbon Dioxide Cylinder
• 1 Liter Bottle
• Flavoring (Optional)

1. Install the Carbon Dioxide Cylinder

You will first need to install the carbon dioxide cylinder in your soda maker. Check compatibility with your machine before purchasing carbon dioxide cylinders for your soda maker. Depending on the model, your machine will either require a threaded screw-in cylinder or a quick-connect cylinder that clicks into place. Exact instructions will vary depending on your soda maker’s brand and model, so consult the user manual that comes with it.

• Unwrap the Carbon Dioxide Cylinder: Remove any wrapping or cap from the top of the carbon dioxide cylinder.
• Install the Cylinder in Your Sparkling Water Machine: In some models, you will need to remove a back panel and connect the cylinder in an upright position. In other models, you will flip the machine upside down and insert the cylinder into the hole.
• Close the Panel or Flip Your Machine Over: Make sure your carbon dioxide cylinder is connected securely so it does not leak gas. If it leaks you will hear a hissing or bubbling sound coming from the connection. Once the carbon dioxide cylinder is properly attached, replace the panel or flip your machine into its upright position.

2. Fill & Install a Bottle of Still Water

Most soda makers and sparkling water machines use 1-liter bottles. Some machines come with a reusable water bottle, and you can purchase replacements or extra bottles as well. Make sure the bottle you are using is compatible with your machine.

• Fill Your Bottle With Still Water: Fill a clean bottle with drinkable still water – this is the water to which you will be adding carbonation. You can get this water from your tap, a water cooler, or bottled water. For best results, you should use cold water since water absorbs carbon dioxide best when it is chilled to about 39°F to 44°F. You may want to chill water beforehand by placing a pitcher of water in your refrigerator at least two hours before carbonating.
• Do Not Overfill the Bottle: Most bottles made for soda makers will have a max fill line. Do not fill the bottle above that line to leave room for the carbon dioxide. If the bottle does not have a line, leave at least 2-3 inches at the top.
• Install the Bottle in Your Machine: Follow the instructions of your soda or sparkling water machine to install the bottle of chilled water. Some models allow you to click the bottle into place securely, while others require you to twist the bottle tightly into place. Make sure the bottle is installed securely to prevent water from leaking or spraying from the mouth of the bottle while carbonating.

3. Carbonate Your Water

Once the carbon dioxide cylinder and bottle of water are securely installed, you are ready to begin carbonating your water. Once you understand how to make sparkling water at home, this will be the simplest part of the process. Just be sure to follow your machine’s specific instructions.

• Press the Button or Pull the Lever: Your soda maker will have either a button to push or a lever to pull down to allow the carbon dioxide gas into the water. Follow the instructions for your machine regarding how long to press the button and how many times. Typically, you will hold down the button or lever from 1-3 seconds at a time. Do not exceed the recommended time and number of presses to prevent the bottle from exploding or leaking.
  • Remove Your Bottle of Sparkling Water: Unscrew or unclick your bottle of sparkling water from the machine. It’s normal to hear a hissing or fizzing sound during carbonation and while unscrewing your bottle.

4. Add Flavoring & Enjoy!

Once you have successfully made sparkling water with your soda machine, you can go ahead and enjoy it as is or add some flavoring.

• Add Flavoring (Optional): You can now add flavoring or soda mix to your sparkling water if you wish. Follow the instructions on the packaging to determine the amount of flavoring you need to add to your carbonated water. You can also add sliced fresh fruit or muddled herbs to a glass with your sparkling water for natural flavoring.
• Enjoy Your Sparkling Water: Enjoy your sparkling water right away for optimal fizz or store with a cap tightly screwed on in your refrigerator. Your carbonated water can last for up to two weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Tip!

Purchasing reusable bottles to make and store your sparkling water in will reduce the amount of plastic you use. Overall, making sparkling water at home is a great way to save money and reduce waste.

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