Kitchen equipment · Carbonator
Home carbonation machine
A countertop machine that injects carbon dioxide from a gas cylinder into water to make sparkling water.
Specialist · Manual
Photo: Jcalandrelli, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
What it is
A unit holding a pressurised CO₂ cylinder and a special bottle that screws or clips in. Pressing the button injects gas into chilled water; more presses mean more fizz. Most models are purely mechanical and need no electricity; some have electric buttons. Flavourings are added after carbonating.
What it’s for: Making sparkling water and fizzy drinks at home.
How to use it
- Fill the dedicated bottle with cold water to the fill line.
- Attach the bottle to the machine.
- Press the gas button in short bursts to reach the fizz you like.
- Release the bottle, then add syrup or juice slowly.
Good to know
- Tasks
- making sparkling water, making sodas and spritzers, making fizzy lemonade
- Materials
- plastic, stainless steel, PET or glass bottles
- Care and cleaning
- Wash bottles by hand unless marked dishwasher-safe; check their expiry date. Return or refill cylinders as directed.
- Limitations
- Needs gas cylinder refills; only carbonates; takes counter space.
Safety
- Carbonate plain water only unless the maker permits other liquids; sugary drinks foam violently.
- Use only the bottles designed for the machine.
If you don’t have one
- Bottled sparkling water — Use shop-bought soda water instead.
Equipment guide
How it works: Pressurised carbon dioxide from a cylinder is injected into chilled water in a sealed bottle. CO₂ dissolves better in cold water and under pressure, forming carbonic acid that gives fizz and a slight tang; releasing the pressure lets bubbles form.
| Material | Good | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| PET plastic bottles | Light and shatter-proof. | Have an expiry date; not dishwasher-safe. |
| Glass carafes | Dishwasher-safe and non-plastic. | Heavier; fewer models accept them. |
- Manual carbonator
- No electricity; press to carbonate.
- Electric carbonator
- Preset fizz levels.
Buying guidance
Starting out: A manual model that uses widely available cylinders.
- Cylinder type and refill availability
- Glass carafe option
- Adjustable carbonation
- Only carbonate plain water unless the maker allows other liquids
No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.
Related tools
Recipes that use it
No recipe in the catalogue lists it yet.