Is the Aarke Carbonator 3 Worth It?
Based on tests by America's Test Kitchen (Jun 2025). How we score
Save $147Skip it. Get the SodaStream Terra.
Amazon prices as of Sep 30, 2:51 AM EDT (details)
Why
America's Test Kitchen rated the Aarke Highly Recommended: "By repeatedly pressing the lever on this stainless-steel soda maker, it’s quick and easy to customize the water’s carbonation level," and "The machine is sleek and takes up very little counter space." It scored 2.5 of 3 for ease of use; its bottle must be twisted on and off, which "adds a few seconds to the process." ATK's Best for Most People, the SodaStream Terra, does the same job with full marks for ease of use, performance and design for a fraction of the price. Like the Aarke, it carbonates water only. Buy the Aarke for the stainless-steel look.
Cheaper alternatives, scored against the Aarke Carbonator 3
Terra Sparkling Water Maker Starter Kit, Black
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
From 1 tester: America's Test Kitchen
America's Test Kitchen's Best for Most People soda maker, with full marks for ease of use (the Aarke scored 2.5 of 3), performance and design. "The plastic water bottles connect to the machine easily and are dishwasher-safe," and its CO2 cylinders "slide into the back of the machine and lock into place when you pull down a plastic handle." It works only with SodaStream's Quick Connect cylinders. "Like other models from SodaStream, it takes up fairly little counter space and is sturdy."
| Criterion | Aarke Carbonator 3 | SodaStream Terra |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | 2.5/3 | 3/3 |
| Performance | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Design | 3/3 | 3/3 |
From America's Test Kitchen: The Best Soda Makers (updated June 25, 2025)
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Soda Makers (updated June 25, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
Common questions
Is the Aarke Carbonator 3 worth it?
Only for its looks. America's Test Kitchen rated it Highly Recommended, but the SodaStream Terra, ATK's Best for Most People, scored as well or better in every category for a fraction of the price.
Sources: America's Test Kitchen: The Best Soda Makers (updated June 25, 2025), Manufacturer specs via Amazon listing
