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Best Home Carbonators for Tea 2026: Beyond SodaStream

By TeaTrade Lab Team • Updated January 2026

Once you learn how to make sparkling tea, you inevitably want to buy a machine. But there is a problem. If you read the instruction manual of a standard SodaStream, it says in bold letters: "Carbonate Water Only."

This isn't just a suggestion; it's physics. Tea contains proteins and saponins that create foam. When you release the pressure on a standard machine, this foam expands instantly, spraying sticky tea into the machine's internal valves, voiding the warranty and ruining your kitchen ceiling.

You need a machine with a Slow Pressure Release Valve. We tested the top contenders to find the only devices safe for carbonating Darjeeling, Earl Grey, and Hibiscus.

A Drinkmate carbonating a bottle of amber tea.
#1 Best Overall (The Tea Hero)
Drinkmate OmniFizz

1. Drinkmate OmniFizz

★★★★★ (Designed for Tea)
The Engineering: Unlike SodaStream (where the nozzle is fixed to the machine), Drinkmate uses a detachable "Fizz Infuser" cap. This cap contains a slow-release valve that lets you depressurize the bottle over 60 seconds, preventing foam explosions.

This is the only machine we fully endorse for Sparkling Tea. The patented cap system separates the gas injection from the pressure release. You can carbonate tea, wine, or even juice with pulp. If the tea foams up, you simply wait before opening the valve. It is robust, easy to clean, and handles high pressures (up to 40 PSI) perfect for that "Champagne" bite.

Pros

  • Safe for ANY liquid (Tea, Wine, Juice)
  • Detachable rinse-able injector head
  • Uses standard CO2 cylinders

Cons

  • Plastic build feels less premium than Aarke
  • Slightly taller than other machines
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#2 Best Design (With Caution)
Aarke Carbonator 3

2. Aarke Carbonator 3

★★★★☆ (The Luxury Choice)
The Warning: Officially, Aarke says "Water Only." However, because the nozzle is stainless steel (not plastic), many pro sommeliers use it for tea. You must be extremely careful and release pressure slowly.

If you want a machine that looks beautiful on your counter, this is it. It is a stunning piece of industrial design made of polished steel. While it lacks the dedicated slow-release valve of the Drinkmate, the lever action allows for very fine control of gas injection. If you are experienced and only carbonating clear Cold Brew tea (no sugar), it works beautifully. Do not use for milky or syrupy teas.

Pros

  • Stunning full metal construction
  • Precise lever control
  • Uses standard CO2 cylinders

Cons

  • Officially "Water Only" (Warranty risk)
  • Very expensive (£150+)
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#3 Best for Small Batches
iSi Soda Siphon

3. iSi Classic Soda Siphon

★★★☆☆ (The Chef's Tool)
The Physics: A sealed pressure vessel that uses small 8g CO2 chargers. Because the liquid stays inside the pressurized bottle until served, it maintains carbonation for days in the fridge.

This is the classic bartender's tool. It is excellent for keeping a litre of Sparkling Earl Grey in the fridge for a week. The downside is the cost of consumables (you use one metal bulb per litre), which adds up compared to the 60L cylinders used by Drinkmate. However, it is fully dishwasher safe and practically indestructible.

Pros

  • Keeps tea carbonated for days
  • Stainless steel body (no plastic contact)
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Expensive per litre (bulbs vs tanks)
  • Harder to clean the nozzle
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#4 The Warning (Do Not Buy For Tea)
SodaStream Terra

4. SodaStream Terra

★★☆☆☆ (Water Only)
The Failure Point: The pressure release valve is integrated into the machine body, not the bottle. If tea foams up, it enters the machine's internals, where mold will grow on the sugar residue. It cannot be cleaned.

We include this review as a warning. SodaStream makes great water carbonators, but they are absolutely not designed for tea. The warranty is void immediately if you use anything but water. We ruined a machine testing this with sweetened Hibiscus tea. The foam shot into the internal mechanism and the machine smelled like vinegar forever after.

Pros

  • Great for water
  • Widely available gas refills

Cons

  • Will explode with tea
  • Impossible to clean internals
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#5 Best for Volume (The Pro)
Mini Keg System

5. 5L Mini Keg with CO2 Regulator

★★★★☆ (Event Ready)
The Application: Force Carbonation. You fill the keg, hook up a gas line, and dial the regulator to 35 PSI. It pushes gas into the liquid over 24 hours.

If you are hosting a wedding or a big dinner party, this is the solution. A mini-keg fits in your fridge and dispenses perfect sparkling tea on tap. It requires more setup (hoses, regulator, gas bulb), but it gives you professional "Force Carbonation" results that are superior to any countertop machine. See our Force Carbonation Guide for the PSI chart.

Pros

  • Professional bubble texture
  • Dispenses on tap
  • Perfect for parties

Cons

  • High learning curve
  • Requires cleaning lines
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Safety First: Cleaning the Valve

Even with the Drinkmate, sugar residue can build up in the release valve. If you are carbonating sweetened tea, you must soak the removable injector head in warm water after every use. If the valve sticks, it can lead to dangerous pressure buildup.

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Read Next: The Method

Now you have the machine, learn the technique.

Guide: How to Make Sparkling Tea (Force vs. Bottle)

The Science: Why Cold Brew Carbonates Better

Lifestyle: Pairing Sparkling Tea with Food

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