My Fizzy Water Always Went Flat—This Soda Maker Changed All That

#1: One Glass at a Time

Unlike most of the countertop carbonators on the market, the Carbon8 uses a system that carbonates water as it dispenses, so you can fill any size glass with as much sparkling water as you like. Once it’s assembled and there’s cold water in the tank (hint: just add ice to get it super-chilly), all it takes is a touch on the icon on top to start the process. There’s a grumbling noise as the machine charges, then a blue light illuminates the stream of water gushing into the glass. When the finger is lifted, there’s a slight pause before the water stops, but so far I haven’t overfilled a glass.

There are no settings for the amount of fizz, but that also means there’s no way to make a mistake by under-carbonating a bottle of water. I find that the amount of fizz was adequate, and the bubbles last long enough for me to finish a drink.

That blue illumination is nice when the lights are low and I enjoy filling a nighttime glass without turning on all my kitchen lights. The whole unit is fairly tall, so it’s best to hold the glass right below the spout to avoid splashing, but that tall space also means that it will accommodate even your tallest glasses, or even a bottle, carafe, or pitcher.

The single-glass option means there’s no carbonated water sitting around going flat, and the quick carbonation means it’s simple to go back and refill a glass multiple times. And, of course, the single glass can be as large or small as you like, so, in theory, you could carbonate enough water to make a pitcher of root beer for the family.

While this brand doesn’t (yet?) have its own flavored syrups, there are plenty available for purchase or you can make simple syrup on your own. My favorite lately has been much simpler—a wedge of lime squeezed into a glass before adding sparkling water. While there are plenty of flavors that can be added to the glass, the carbonator is to be used for carbonating water only.

#2: Easy to Find Tanks

The Carbon8 uses the same standard screw-in carbonating tanks that are used by other brands, so they’re easy to find online and even at some retail locations. Trade-ins are just as easy. The carbonating tank I received came with a box that can be used for returning empties and getting full tanks in return. The tank screws in securely, then gets tucked inside the front of the machine where it’s hidden from view. A tray attaches at the bottom to catch any errant drips.

With other carbonating devices, the tank is usually the heaviest part, but the Carbon8 is heftier than its competitors. With the tank installed, it weighs about 12.5 pounds—significantly heavier than other carbonators, but easy enough to move around, if needed. But let’s face it, this is likely to find a convenient spot and stay there. To keep it tidy, a silicone pad is included.

 #3: No Refrigerator Space Needed

Since this carbonates a single serving at a time, there’s no need to have bottles of water chilling before use, and no half-used bottles of carbonated water to be stored in the refrigerator. However, cold water carbonates much better—and let’s face it, you probably want a cold drink. The water tank is removable and can be stored in the refrigerator, but I’ve found it much easier to keep the tank installed and about half-full and then add ice as I use the machine.

One final note…

Before the Carbon8 arrived, I wasn’t sure why I wanted to carbonate a single glass at a time. After it arrived, it took no time at all to fall in love with it. I could make a cocktail with tonic water syrup in my glass, then switch to plain carbonated water with a squeeze of lime. I also like having a single glass of root beer with no leftovers. It’s a new way to think about carbonated water, and it works well.

The Carbon8 is a new product, and there’s one feature we weren’t able to test. There is an add-on water filter for users whose tap water is less than tasty, but that had not been released in time for this review.