How to Carbonate Water with a SodaStream Carbonator
By SodaStream Official: Sparkling Water Makers, Carbonating ... | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a SodaStream carbonator: fill to the line, fizz in short presses, and find your ideal fizz level without over-carbonating.
Quick Answer
Fill a compatible SodaStream bottle with cold water to the fill line, twist it into the carbonator, then press the carbonation button in short bursts until you hear the buzz. Two or three presses give light fizz; four or more give strong fizz. Release the bottle slowly and always fizz plain water before adding any flavor.
Prep Your Bottle and Machine Before You Fizz
Start with a clean, compatible bottle and cold water. Cold water holds carbonation better, so chill your water in the fridge first if you can. Fill only to the marked fill line; going above it leaves no headspace for the CO2 to expand, which can cause messy overflow. Twist the bottle into the carbonator until it seats firmly, but do not force it past the point where it stops naturally.
- Use only SodaStream carbonating bottles rated for pressure; do not reuse single-use plastic bottles.
- Check that the CO2 cylinder is hand-tight in the machine before you start.
How to Press for the Fizz Level You Want
Press the carbonation button in short bursts rather than holding it down. Each press releases a measured amount of CO2. Listen for the buzz that signals the gas is flowing, and stop pressing when you hear a louder, higher-pitched release. As a starting point, two presses give a light, crisp fizz; three presses are medium; four or more give a sharp, soda-like bite. If you are new to your machine, begin with two presses and taste before adding more.
- Do not press continuously for more than a few seconds at a time; short bursts give you more control.
- If water sprays upward into the nozzle, you over-pressed; wait a moment and press more gently next time.
Release, Flavor, and Store Without Losing Fizz
After your last press, wait a second, then tilt the bottle slightly and twist it out slowly to release pressure. Always fizz plain water first, then add flavor. Adding syrup or drops before carbonating can cause foaming and clog the nozzle. If you are not drinking right away, cap the bottle and keep it in the fridge. Carbonated water stays fresh and bubbly for up to two weeks in a sealed SodaStream bottle.
- Add flavor after carbonating, never before.
- Store upright in the fridge; a cold bottle holds carbonation longer.
Your Step-by-Step Carbonation Routine
- Fill the bottle with cold water to the line: Use a compatible SodaStream bottle and stop at the fill line. Cold water absorbs CO2 better than room-temperature water. Checkpoint: never fill above the line; it causes overflow.
- Twist the bottle into the carbonator: Seat the bottle firmly until it stops. Do not cross-thread or force it. Mistake to avoid: a loose bottle leaks gas and gives weak fizz.
- Press in short bursts and listen for the buzz: Two presses for light, three for medium, four or more for strong. Stop when the buzz changes to a louder release. Checkpoint: if water sprays up, you pressed too long; wait and try shorter bursts.
- Release pressure slowly and remove the bottle: Tilt the bottle slightly and twist it out gently. A slow release prevents foaming. Mistake to avoid: yanking the bottle out quickly can spray water.
- Add flavor after carbonating, then cap and chill: Fizz plain water first. Add syrups or drops afterward, then cap and refrigerate if not drinking immediately. Next step: store upright in the fridge for up to two weeks of fizz.
Bottles and Bundles That Support These Steps
- Sodastream Slim Sparkling Water Bottle Twin Pack White 33.8 oz: SodaStream Carbonating Bottles bring the fizz and keep it fresh and bubbly for up to 2 weeks. You can carbonate a batch and keep it in the fridge without losing fizz, so you are not re-fizzing every glass.
- Sodastream Slim Sparkling Water Bottle Twin Pack Black 33.8 oz: Slim 1L Carbonated Drinks Bottle fits most car cupholders, is dishwasher safe, and is compatible with TERRA, ART, DUO, and ensÅ Sparkling Water Makers. If you carbonate on the go or want easy cleanup, this bottle matches the machines named and can go in the dishwasher.
- 90 Day Carbonation Bundle: 90 Day Carbonation Bundle includes a sparkling water maker Starter Kit with two bonus CO2 exchange cylinders in a return box. You get three times the carbonation before your first exchange, which matters if you plan to fizz daily.
