I’m going to be completely honest with you. For a long time, I thought all carbonators were basically the same plastic tube with a CO2 canister shoved in the back. You press a button, it goes pffft, and you have bubbly water. Simple, right? But then I actually tried to carbonate something that wasn't water in a standard machine—specifically some white wine that had gone a bit flat—and I ended up with a sticky, pressurized explosion that took forty minutes to clean off my kitchen cabinets. That's usually the moment people realize the Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker exists for a very specific, very important reason.
It's the only machine that doesn't care what you're bubbling.
Most people get into the sparkling water game to save money or stop hauling heavy cases of LaCroix from the grocery store. That’s the baseline. But the Drinkmate OmniFizz pushes past that by solving the "water only" restriction that has plagued the industry for years. If you've ever looked at a glass of apple juice or a flat margarita and thought, "this needs bubbles," you're the target audience. It’s a tool for people who want to experiment, not just hydrate.
The Fizz Infuser is the Secret Sauce
The big difference—and I mean the massive, "why didn't everyone do this" difference—is the Fizz Infuser. On a SodaStream, the carbonation nozzle is built into the machine. If you carbonate anything sugary, that sugar gets into the internal valves, gunking them up until the machine literally dies. Drinkmate solved this by making the nozzle part of a detachable cap.
You attach the Fizz Infuser to the bottle, slide it into the machine, and blast it with CO2. Because the pressure release happens on the cap itself, rather than inside the machine's "guts," you can safely carbonate anything. I've done iced tea. I've done cold brew (highly recommend, actually). I've even done orange juice, though you have to be careful with the foam.
There are two little switches on the Fizz Infuser. One is for quick pressure release and the other is for a slow, controlled bleed. This is huge. If you’re bubbling water, you can just rip the pressure off. But if you’re bubbling something like a heavy red wine or a pulpy juice, you need to let the pressure out slowly so it doesn't "volcano" everywhere. It gives you a level of control that feels almost like using professional bar equipment, but it’s just sitting there next to your toaster.
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Does it Actually Save Money?
Let's talk numbers because that's why we're here. A standard 60L CO2 cylinder costs about $15 to $20 to exchange. If you’re a heavy drinker—say, two liters a day—you’re going to blow through a tank in about three weeks.
Compared to buying premium canned seltzer, you're looking at a break-even point in about four to six months depending on how much you drink. But the real savings with the Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker come from the "flat beverage" rescue. Think about how much soda or wine you pour down the drain because it lost its kick. I used to dump half-bottles of Coke that sat out too long. Now? I just put them in the OmniFizz, give them a few pulses, and they're arguably crispier than they were when I first opened them.
Also, it uses the standard 60L screw-in cylinders. This is a win for convenience. You can find these at Target, Walmart, or through SodaStream’s exchange program. You aren't locked into a proprietary Drinkmate-only gas system, which is a relief because nobody wants to hunt down a niche gas canister when they’ve run out on a Saturday night.
The Texture of the Bubble
Not all bubbles are created equal. Some machines produce these giant, aggressive "burp bubbles" that feel like they're attacking your throat. Others are too soft. The Drinkmate sits right in the middle, but because you control the number of pulses, you can customize the "micronage" of the carbonation.
Short, sharp bursts tend to create a sharper "bite." Longer presses create a more integrated, champagne-like effervescence. I’ve found that for plain water, four short bursts get it to that level where it actually hurts a little bit—which, let's be real, is what seltzer lovers want. For juices, I usually go lighter. The density of the liquid affects how much gas it can hold, and the OmniFizz lets you feel that resistance as you're pressing the button.
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Design and Build: Plastic but Purposeful
I’ll be blunt: it’s mostly plastic. It’s light. It doesn't feel like a heavy-duty KitchenAid mixer that’s going to last 50 years. However, the footprint is tiny. It’s tall and slim, so it fits under standard 18-inch cabinets without any drama. Since it doesn't require electricity, you can move it to the patio or a home bar without worrying about outlets.
One thing that kinda bugs some people is the bottle. It’s BPA-free, but it’s not dishwasher safe. You have to hand wash it with lukewarm water. If you use hot water, you risk warping the plastic, which compromises the pressure integrity. It’s a small price to pay, but it’s worth noting if you’re someone who hates hand-washing dishes. The bottom cap of the bottle does pop off, though, which makes cleaning out any leftover juice residue way easier than it is with competitor bottles.
Addressing the "Explosion" Myth
You'll see reviews online of people saying these machines are dangerous. Honestly? Most of those people aren't reading the instructions. Carbonation is about physics. If you try to carbonate a room-temperature liquid, the CO2 won't dissolve well, the pressure will build up too fast, and yeah, it might spray when you open it.
Pro tip: Everything must be ice cold.
Cold liquids absorb CO2 much more efficiently. If you try to fizz a lukewarm Pinot Grigio, you're going to have a bad time. If that wine is 34 degrees, it'll take the bubbles beautifully. The Drinkmate is remarkably safe as long as you use the slow-release valve on the Fizz Infuser. That little blue tab is your best friend.
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Real World Use: Beyond Just Water
I’ve spent the last few months putting things through this machine that would probably make a purist cringe. Here’s what actually works:
- Apple Cider: Turns it into a sparkling dry cider that tastes way more expensive than it is.
- Flat Beer: If you leave a growler open overnight, the Drinkmate can actually save it. It won't taste 100% fresh, but it's totally drinkable.
- Custom Energy Drinks: I buy bulk electrolyte powder, mix it with water, and then carbonate it. It saves a fortune compared to buying canned energy drinks.
- Cocktails: You can mix a Gin and Tonic (minus the tonic) by just carbonating a mix of gin, water, and lime juice. It creates a much more "integrated" drink because the bubbles are inside the spirit, not just diluted by it.
Limitations and Nuance
It's not perfect. Nothing is. The biggest hurdle for new users is the learning curve of the Fizz Infuser. It takes a few tries to get the "slow release" rhythm down. If you open it too fast with a sugary liquid, you'll get foam coming out of the top.
Also, the machine is purely manual. There are no fancy LED lights or preset carbonation levels. You have to "feel" the carbonation. For some, that’s a perk. For others who want a "set it and forget it" appliance, it might feel a bit low-tech. But in my experience, the more electronics you put in a device that deals with pressurized gas and liquids, the more things there are to break. The mechanical simplicity of the OmniFizz is actually its greatest strength.
Why it Beats the Competition
When you compare the Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker to something like the SodaStream Terra or the Aarke Carbonator III, it comes down to versatility. The Aarke is beautiful—it’s a piece of art for your counter—but it can only do water. The SodaStream is convenient, but it locks you into their ecosystem.
Drinkmate is the "open source" version of the soda world. It’s for the tinkerer. It’s for the person who wants to carbonate a bottle of sake just to see what happens. (Spoiler: it's delicious). It gives you a level of creative freedom that other brands simply don't allow because their legal departments are too worried about people making a mess.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you just picked one up or you're about to hit "buy," here is how to get the most out of it without ruining your kitchen:
- Buy a spare 60L cylinder immediately. There is nothing more frustrating than running out of gas halfway through making a drink for a guest.
- Keep two bottles in the fridge. Always have water or your beverage of choice pre-chilling. Remember: CO2 loves the cold. The colder the liquid, the less gas you waste.
- The "Two-Stage" Release. When carbonating anything other than water, hit the slow-release valve (the small tab) first. Wait until the hissing stops completely before you use the quick-release (the big button). If you see foam rising, stop releasing and wait 10 seconds.
- Deep clean the Infuser. If you’ve been bubbling juice or wine, soak the Fizz Infuser cap in warm, soapy water for ten minutes once a week. It prevents the valves from getting sticky.
- Experiment with "In-Bottle" flavors. Instead of adding syrup after you carbonate, try adding a few slices of ginger or a sprig of mint directly into the bottle before you fizz (as long as they are large enough not to get sucked into the nozzle). The pressure actually helps infuse the flavor into the liquid.
The Drinkmate OmniFizz isn't just a kitchen gadget; it's basically a lab tool for your palate. Whether you're trying to cut back on sugary sodas by making your own or you're looking to revolutionize your home bar, it’s one of the few appliances that actually lives up to the hype. Just keep your liquids cold and your release slow.