Drinkmate Carbonated Soda Maker Review: Unleash the Fizz in Any Beverage

Are you searching for the ultimate home carbonator that goes beyond just sparkling water? Dive into our comprehensive review of the Drinkmate Carbonated Soda Maker. This innovative device promises to transform virtually any liquid into a fizzy delight, setting it apart from competitors like SodaStream. We’ll explore its unique features, real-world performance, and deliver an honest assessment of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right addition to your kitchen.

My Journey to the Ultimate Home Carbonator: From Frustration to Fizz

For over seven years, my kitchen counter was home to a SodaStream Penguin, a reliable machine that consistently delivered sparkling water. However, a cross-country move to Nevada prompted a need for change. Its bulky design, the perceived fragility of its glass bottles, and concerns about safely transporting CO2 cylinders made it impractical for the journey. My quest for a new home carbonator led me first to the Mastrad PureFizz, a compact machine that, unfortunately, ceased functioning after only a month. This left me with a drawer full of wasted small bullet-shaped CO2 cartridges and a renewed determination to find a durable, effective solution. It was during this search that I discovered the Drinkmate, a device that has since revolutionized my approach to homemade sparkling beverages.

What Makes Drinkmate Different? The Revolutionary “Any Beverage” Advantage

The standout feature that truly distinguishes the Drinkmate Carbonated Soda Maker from its primary competitor, the SodaStream, is its unparalleled versatility. Unlike most carbonators that are limited to plain water, Drinkmate empowers you to carbonate any beverage. This capability opens up a world of creative possibilities for crafting unique drinks, catering to diverse tastes, and experimenting with flavors that were previously impossible to fizz at home.

Unlock a World of Carbonation Possibilities:

• Craft Sparkling Wine: Effortlessly transform your favorite still wine into a bubbly delight, perfect for mimosas, spritzers, or simply enjoying a glass of homemade sparkling wine.
• Homemade Fizzy Juices: Create healthier, natural alternatives to store-bought sodas by carbonating any type of fruit juice—from fresh orange and apple to exotic blends. Control the sugar and ingredients for a truly wholesome treat.
• Revive Flat Drinks: Breathe new life into flat beer, soda, or even kombucha, reducing waste and enhancing your drinking experience.
• Personalized Fizzy Cocktails & Mocktails: Elevate your entertaining skills by crafting bespoke bubbly cocktails and sophisticated mocktails. Imagine a sparkling cucumber and mint concoction or a fizzy ginger beer.
• Fresh Fruit Infusions: Carbonate freshly squeezed fruit juices, such as strawberry, grapefruit, or lime, for an incredibly refreshing and vibrant taste sensation that’s bursting with natural flavor.
• Energized Sports Drinks: Add a stimulating fizz to your favorite sports drinks, making post-workout hydration more enjoyable and invigorating.

The Ingenious Technology Behind the Versatility

Naturally, the ability to carbonate diverse liquids sparked my curiosity. I reached out to Drinkmate directly to understand the engineering marvel behind this unique capability, especially when competitors strictly advise against carbonating anything but water. Their detailed response shed light on their innovative approach:

“The difference is the pressure process and how that is controlled. SodaStream doesn’t have any way to control the amount of pressure that is released. Drinkmate features 5 valves that allow for fast and slow release of the pressure. This is the key to control the pressure and the new technology that allows to carbonate any liquid.”

This sophisticated pressure regulation system is the cornerstone of Drinkmate’s versatility. Attempting to carbonate sugary or viscous liquids like orange juice in a conventional soda maker often results in a sticky mess, clogged mechanisms, or even explosive overflows due to uncontrolled pressure release. Drinkmate’s patented Fizz Infuser cap, with its five-valve system, allows for a precise, gradual, and controlled release of CO2. This not only prevents blockages and messes but also ensures efficient carbonation, delivering perfect fizz every time, even with challenging beverages. This engineering marvel eliminates the anxiety of kitchen catastrophes, inviting users to experiment with confidence.

Drinkmate’s Key Advantages: The PROs That Make it Shine

PRO: Unmatched Beverage Versatility – Carbonate Anything!

As previously emphasized, the Drinkmate’s ability to carbonate virtually any liquid is its most significant advantage. This feature transforms it from a simple sparkling water maker into a versatile beverage tool. Whether you want to add a luxurious sparkle to wine, create a healthier, naturally fizzy juice for your children, or revive a flat soda, Drinkmate handles it all. My personal experience with carbonating fresh strawberry juice (lightly diluted with water and garnished with mint) was nothing short of amazing, offering a delightful and refreshing drink that was both unique and simple to make. This versatility empowers users to unleash their creativity in the kitchen, offering endless possibilities for custom beverages that cater to every taste and occasion.

PRO: Wide CO2 Cylinder Compatibility – Convenience at Your Fingertips

Another major benefit of the Drinkmate is its thoughtful design that ensures compatibility with standard SodaStream CO2 cylinders. This is a game-changer for convenience. These cylinders are widely available at major retail chains such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Target, and numerous online platforms. This broad accessibility means you won’t be tied to proprietary refills or face the frustration of searching for specific, hard-to-find components. Swapping out an empty cylinder for a full one is a straightforward, hassle-free process, ensuring your fizz supply never runs dry and making maintenance incredibly simple and user-friendly.

PRO: Lightweight and Portable Design – Effortless Handling and Storage

Weighing significantly less than many of its counterparts, the Drinkmate is a remarkably lightweight countertop appliance. This attribute makes it incredibly easy to lift, move, and store. Whether you’re tucking it away in a cabinet, bringing it out for daily use, or even transporting it to a friend’s gathering, its portability is a distinct advantage. Its compact footprint also ensures it won’t monopolize valuable counter space, making it an ideal choice for kitchens of all sizes.

PRO: Durable and User-Friendly Construction

The Drinkmate comes equipped with a sturdy, BPA-free plastic bottle and its signature pressure-regulated Fizz Infuser attachment. This design prioritizes both durability and user safety. The included bottle cap allows you to easily store any leftover carbonated beverages in the refrigerator, ensuring they remain fizzy for extended periods. The entire system is intuitively designed, making the carbonation process simple and accessible even for beginners. From attaching the bottle to releasing pressure, every step is straightforward and secure.

Considerations Before You Buy: The CONs to Keep in Mind

CON: Plastic Carbonation Bottle – A Matter of Preference

While the included plastic bottle is robust, BPA-free, and specifically engineered for safe operation under pressure, some users, myself included, may express a preference for glass bottles. Plastic can occasionally absorb and retain strong flavors or odors, particularly from highly aromatic or concentrated beverages. For example, after experimenting with carbonating tomato juice for a fizzy Bloody Mary (a somewhat adventurous choice!), I found that a subtle tomato scent lingered in the bottle even after thorough cleaning. While this is a minor issue for most standard uses (like water or fruit juices), and regular cleaning usually suffices, it’s worth noting for those with a strong aversion to potential flavor transfer. It’s also important to remember that plastic bottles offer a safety advantage, being less prone to breakage than glass under carbonation pressure.

Understanding the Brand: Drinkmate, iSoda, and i-Drink

New users might encounter a slight confusion due to the various brand names associated with the product: Drinkmate, iSoda, and i-Drink. For instance, while the primary countertop model is known as Drinkmate, you might find a hand-held portable carbonator marketed under the iSoda or i-Drink brand, sometimes even appearing on Amazon but not immediately obvious on the main Drinkmate website. This can cause initial bewilderment when navigating product options.

PRO: A Reputable Company You Can Trust

Despite the various branding, rest assured that the company behind these innovative products, i-Drink Products, is a well-established and reputable entity. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, i-Drink Products boasts over 15 years of industry experience and holds the impressive distinction of being the “second largest manufacturer of home and portable carbonators in the world.” This strong background and significant market presence underscore the quality, reliability, and innovative spirit behind their entire product line, regardless of the specific name on the packaging.

Real-World Experience and Creative Beverage Ideas

The Drinkmate has become an indispensable appliance in our kitchen, transforming our approach to beverages from mundane to magnificent. It fosters a spirit of culinary experimentation, encouraging us to explore an endless array of fizzy possibilities. My children, in particular, have embraced the joy of creating their own “sodas” using simple store-bought apple juice and lemonade, fostering a sense of fun and independence. Even sports drinks can be given a refreshing boost with a burst of carbonation!

Our carbonation adventures have yielded both resounding successes and valuable learning experiences. A grapefruit and thyme gin fizz was a sophisticated hit, while an attempt to carbonate a thick Bloody Mary concentrate taught us the importance of proper dilution. The beauty of the Drinkmate lies in this journey of discovery—it continuously inspires us to innovate and tailor drinks to our exact preferences. My 12-year-old son, Nathan, enthusiastically endorses the Drinkmate with “two very enthusiastic thumbs up!”

Available in three sleek colors – black, red, and white – the Drinkmate also offers aesthetic flexibility to complement any kitchen décor. Its modern design ensures it looks as good as it performs.

Expert Tips for Maximizing Your Drinkmate Experience

To ensure you get the best performance and longevity from your Drinkmate, consider these practical tips:

• Always Carbonate Cold Liquids: Chilled water, juices, and other beverages absorb CO2 more effectively, resulting in a stronger, more consistent, and longer-lasting fizz.
• Dilute Concentrates: When working with thick juices, purees, or drink concentrates (like that Bloody Mary mix), dilute them with water first. This not only aids in better carbonation but also helps prevent clogging and makes cleaning easier.
• Clean Promptly: After carbonating sugary or viscous liquids, always clean your carbonation bottle and the Fizz Infuser attachment immediately. This prevents stickiness, eliminates potential flavor transfer, and maintains hygiene.
• Experiment in Small Batches: When trying out new, unconventional ingredients, start with smaller batches. This allows you to fine-tune the carbonation levels and flavor profiles without wasting valuable ingredients.
• Store Correctly: Use the included cap to seal your carbonated beverages. Storing them in the refrigerator will help maintain their effervescence for several days, allowing you to enjoy fresh fizz whenever you desire.

Is the Drinkmate Carbonated Soda Maker Right for You?

If your vision for a home carbonator extends beyond just sparkling water, and you crave the freedom to infuse fizz into virtually any beverage—from fresh fruit juices and fine wines to flat sodas and bespoke cocktails—then the Drinkmate Carbonated Soda Maker is an exceptional choice. Its cutting-edge pressure release system, broad compatibility with readily available CO2 cylinders, and robust, user-friendly design make it a versatile and reliable appliance for any kitchen.

While the plastic bottle might be a minor consideration for some, the Drinkmate’s unparalleled versatility and the sheer creativity it unlocks far outweigh this small detail. It’s more than just a soda maker; it’s a beverage innovation hub that invites you to explore, experiment, and enjoy deliciously fizzy drinks tailored precisely to your taste. Embrace the power of fizz and elevate your home beverage game with Drinkmate!