In-depth review
Aarke Carbonator III Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Aarke Carbonator III in Burgundy: stainless steel body, precision nozzle, and who should buy it.
Aarke Carbonator III, Burgundy
The showpiece: a slim stainless steel body in burgundy, a precision nozzle, and no plastic shell in sight.
Our verdict
The Aarke Carbonator III is the best soda maker for buyers who want a machine that stays on show. Its slim stainless steel body in burgundy looks like a designed object rather than an appliance, and the precision nozzle gives a smooth, controlled fizz. It carbonates water only, it costs far more than the Terra for the same water, and its threaded cylinder takes longer to swap than a QuickConnect, so it is a design purchase, not a value one. Buy it if the machine will live on the worktop and its looks matter; buy the Terra if the fizz matters more than the body.
What we like
- The stainless steel body is solid and slim, and the burgundy finish stands out on a worktop without looking garish.
- The precision nozzle gives a smooth, controlled stream of gas, so the fizz builds evenly rather than in bursts.
- It needs no electricity, so it can sit anywhere, and the 1-litre bottle is BPA-free and reusable.
What to watch out for
- It costs far more than the Terra for the same water, since the extra money buys the body, not the fizz.
- It carbonates water only, so juice, wine, and cocktails cannot go in the bottle.
- It uses a standard threaded 60L cylinder, which screws in rather than snapping in like a QuickConnect cylinder.
Who it is for
Buyers who leave the machine on the worktop and want it to look like a designed object, not an appliance.
The body is the purchase
The Carbonator III is built from stainless steel with no plastic shell, and it is the slimmest machine in this list. The burgundy finish is a deep red that stands out on a worktop without looking garish, and the lever and nozzle are machined metal rather than moulded plastic. It feels solid when you pull the lever, and it looks like it belongs in a kitchen that was designed rather than assembled. That body is what the extra money buys, since the water it makes is the same as the Terra water.
Fizz and the cylinder
The precision nozzle gives a smooth, controlled stream of gas, so the fizz builds evenly rather than in bursts, and the lever gives fine control over how much gas goes in. The machine uses a standard threaded 60-litre cylinder, which screws in from below and takes longer to swap than a SodaStream QuickConnect cylinder. The 1-litre bottle is PET and BPA-free, and the machine needs no electricity, so it can sit anywhere on the worktop.
How it stacks up
Against the SodaStream Terra Starter Kit, the Aarke wins on design and build and loses on cost and cylinder ease, since the Terra is cheaper and its cylinder snaps in. Against the SodaStream Art Starter Kit, the Aarke wins on materials and loses on bottle choice, since the Art includes two bottle sizes. Against the Drinkmate OmniFizz Starter Kit, the Aarke wins on design and loses on versatility, since the OmniFizz carbonates any drink.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- The steel body feels solid and looks striking on the worktop
- The lever gives a smooth, controlled fizz with no sudden bursts
- The slim shape takes up little space despite the premium build.
Common complaints
- The cost is high for a machine that only makes sparkling water
- The screw-in cylinder takes longer to change than a snap-in one
- The burgundy finish is bold, and it will not suit every kitchen.
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Body
- Stainless steel
- Bottle
- 1 L (34 fl oz) PET BPA-free bottle
- CO2 system
- Standard threaded 60L cylinder
- Nozzle
- Precision stainless steel nozzle
- Power
- None, no electricity or batteries
Also consider
SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker Starter Kit, Black
The default pick: snap the bottle in, press the button, and get sparkling water in seconds, with no power and no fuss.
- CO2 system: QuickConnect 60L cylinder included
- Bottle: 1 L (32 fl oz) dishwasher-safe, BPA-free
SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker Starter Kit, Black
The good-looking Terra: a lever instead of a button, chrome trim, and two bottle sizes in the box.
- Carbonation: Lever control
- Bottles: 1 L and 0.5 L dishwasher-safe bottles
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the Aarke worth the cost over the Terra?
For the fizz alone, no: the Terra makes the same sparkling water for far less money. For the worktop, yes, if the machine stays on show and its looks matter to you. The Aarke is a design purchase, and it should be judged as one.
Does the Aarke carbonate juice?
No. The Carbonator III carbonates water only, like the SodaStream machines. Add flavour after the fizz, and use a Drinkmate or a Breville if you want to carbonate juice or cocktails.
How do I swap the cylinder?
Unscrew the empty threaded cylinder from below the machine, and screw the full one in firmly by hand. Do not use tools, since overtightening can damage the seal. The cylinder is a standard 60-litre threaded size, so exchanges are widely available.