aarke Carbonator III Premium Soda Maker

Curated from 133 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 13, 2025

aarke Carbonator III Premium Soda Maker

Brand: aarke
Price: $169
Snoop Score:
7.1
Sentiment
7.3
Popularity
8.3
Technical
6.8

Snoop's Take

The aarke Carbonator III is a premium soda maker that allows users to create sparkling water and seltzer at home without the need for electricity. With a sleek stainless steel design, it seamlessly fits into any kitchen while offering a convenient and elegant solution for carbonated beverages. Consumer feedback highlights the Carbonator III's ease of use and quality, with users stating, "The soda water I make is as good or better than any store-bought brand, by a long shot." Many appreciate its durable build and compatibility with cheaper CO2 canisters, adding to its cost-effectiveness. However, some users caution about the need for filtered water to prevent mineral buildup and potential issues with carbonation longevity. Overall, the aarke Carbonator III is highly recommended for those looking to enjoy sparkling water at home, as it combines stylish design with reliable performance and positive user experiences.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Soda Makers

I think you’d still be better off than buying soda.

Positive Feedback

I have a well with mineral- laden water and it doesn't seem to bother my sodastream one bit.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.1
aarke Carbonator III Premium Soda Maker
Daily Hydration Upgrade
8 / 10
Flavorful Beverage Experiments
3 / 10
Home Cocktail and Party Station
4 / 10
On-the-Go Refreshment
10 / 10
See how this compares to all Soda Makers

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Cost-effective compared to buying soda
I think you’d still be better off than buying soda.
Easy to use with filtered water
My well water leaves crust on everything. Been using my regular unfiltered tap water with my soda stream for 4 years without issue.
I have sodastream. You just fill the bottle, and put it in the machine. The machine just pressurizes it with co2.
Produces high-quality sparkling water
The soda water I make is as good or better than any store-bought brand, by a long shot.
Allows for customization with flavors
Slices of lime or cucumbers make it more than just seltzer water.
Durable build compared to other brands
This is a quality, solid device.
Compatible with cheaper CO2 canisters
since they're cheaper?
Superior bottles and gas usage
The AARKE has superior bottles and gas usage, but they are strictly limited to email.
Elegant design and style
Love the look/style of the Aarke carbonator pro - if only my upper cabinets were half an inch higher so I could put the Arrke on my countertop.
Provides a premium experience compared to competitors
The Aarke just works and provides the perfect amount of carbonation for me, and not having to plug it in allows for it to sit more elegantly in my kitchen
I have an Aarke carbonator too. I love it. Works well, feels premium.
Elegant design fits well on the countertop
It looks gorgeous imo and would be way more interested to leave the Aarke on the counter than my actual SS.
Elegant and modern design
Most of these devices do not give super strong fizzes like, say, a fresh soda fountain.
when I do 3 or 4 charges it is super super bubbly and it does go up to the nose.
Aarke is pricy and has longevity issues reading some reviews.
Reliable and effective operation
It works great- and gets used several times a day.
Compatible with other soda maker bottles
The aarke website says not to put flavor drops directly inside the aarke bottle so i was hoping to use sodastream bottles for that.
I have ZERO issues with the sodastream bottles. They work just fine.
Bottles and CO2 are fully compatible.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Requires filtered water to avoid mineral buildup
I have a well with mineral- laden water and it doesn't seem to bother my sodastream one bit.
Carbonation may not hold as long as store-bought
I do find that it doesn’t hold the carbonation as long, but that’s not really an issue unless it takes you a long time to drink it.
Risk of clogging when using flavor drops
You can use the soda stream water bottles with the aarke carbonator. However, the flavor warning has nothing to do with the bottle, but with the risk of clogging the mechanism/pipes that deliver the CO2 into the water.
Most likely not compatible. Everyone has their own "standard" so they can sell their own bottles that only work with their own soda makers.
Issues with CO2 leaks when using adapters
seems like it’s busted all the seals now
seems like it’s busted all the seals now

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about alternatives to Aarke
I’ve heard the fix is WAY better on the drink mate than soda stream but can’t find any comparisons with the aarke…
Experience with long-lasting soda makers
the Source is very well built. the fizzi is completely plastic, and hardly any metal. who knows how long it will last, but the Source is a tank and i love it.
Discussion on personal soda fountain experiences
Anyone have a commercial soda fountain machine? I've always thought how cool it would be to actually have the best tasting soda on hand, anytime.
They absolutely produce the best tasting soda products given that they are properly maintained.
I'm currently paying $30 for a 50lb cylinder of CO2 which lasts a month to 6 weeks in a commercial setting.
And not a six option soda gun like I used when I bartended, just a single soda button (or maybe two, soda and regular water...as that's what I seem to find online).
Aarke chosen over Soda Stream
I'm pleased to see Aarke beat out Soda Stream as the chosen carbonation device of the Silo.
Discussion about alternatives to Sodastream
Does anyone have a carbonator that they like that is NOT a sodastream? I definitely don't want a sodastream, I'd like to carbonate more stuff.
[This is my favorite](https://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2012-06/how-make-your-own-home-carbonation-system/).
I have a DrinkMate and am very happy with it. It uses its own proprietary bottles, but takes SodaStream CO2 canisters.
I've used my sodastream to carbonate much more than water and it is still working fine.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Alternative methods for CO2 refilling
Seconding this; rigging a 40lb co2 tank supplies me with enough gas for more than a year of frequent (1-2 bottles a day) soda making, for about $100 upfront.
Yep - I refill mine with dry ice. Simple enough to do and pretty darn cheap.
Inquiry about DIY CO2 tank filling
Price aside, does anyone have any personal experience using the Aarke Carbonator Pro vs. the Soda Stream machines?
Just stumbled upon your comment. Is there a subreddit for how to DIY filling these co2 tanks for aarke or how to?
Discussion about DIY carbonation methods using baking soda and citric acid
I bought a Sparkel soda maker, which doesn't use CO2 cartridges, and figured out how to make my own mix so I don't have to use their single serving packets!
Now I can buy baking soda and citric acid in bulk and have as close to 0 waste as I can get for soda!
You don't even need the machine. I just dump the citric acid and baking soda right in and keep the lid on for a moment while the bubbles build
The machine keeps the citric acid and baking soda out of your drink, only injecting the CO2 from the chemical reaction.
Discussion on alternative carbonation methods
Can’t go wrong. Just secure your tank to a shelf with straps or something so you don’t damage the regulator, cause they’re expensive.
Proprietary consumables are terrible from a BIFL perspective.
Discussion about connecting Aarke to larger CO2 tanks
Since I only had to do it once, it was ok but fiddley to do.
I found this blog that help break things down nice and easy.
these kits go for as cheap as $60 aud ($38usd) and it's pretty much plug and play.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Comparison of homemade soda water to store-bought
How close does it taste to the Plain Seltzer you buy at the store? I've gotten addicted to it and considered buying a soda machine but worry it won't taste the same.
Consideration of switching from Sodastream to Aarke
I was like this is too long but got me thinking when my one touch goes out, I may consider the Aarke...
Discussion about alternative CO2 canister options
Would like to stop using plastic 2 litre bottles but am not willing to support that company.
They have their own machine and also the canisters work with other machines, so you can keep a SodaStream but stop buying their canisters.
You can buy Brita branded CO2 canisters for it, and, at least here in Switzerland, stores have their own branded soda syrups.
There are so many other brands at least in Germany.
Awareness of price comparisons with other brands
I just want people to know that Sodastream can definitely be gotten for a lot cheaper.
Definitely worth shopping around and waiting for a deal.
Discussion about compatibility with Sodastream accessories
Uses same bottle but not sure how accessible it is to run cable to it.
General interest in Aarke reviews and alternatives
For those that are interested in the Aarke.
Comparison to other soda makers and experiences
Most of these devices do not give super strong fizzes

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about water quality impact on carbonation
I have good tap water, and carbonating makes it taste terrible.
I like my home soda water better, but I do occasionally get flavors to drop In, but mostly it's great plain.
User experiences with various carbonators
I have a DrinkMate. Very happy with it.
Discussion on CO2 waste and efficiency
I read that some brands of machines carbonate less efficiently and waste gas in the process.
Concerns about health effects of using baking soda
I guess it depends on how often you're using these? Neither are toxins but I guess you don't want to consume loads of acid on a daily basis for the health of your teeth.
Experience sharing with other soda makers
I lucked into an open-box KitchenAid Sodastream for cheap a couple of years ago, and it's been very sturdy and reliable with moderate to heavy use.
I’ve had the Fizzi for 3-4 years now and it’s going strong. It’s used a few times a day for water and it’s simple.

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